Treating refractory migraine

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are methods of treating or reducing incidence of migraine and/or at least one secondary symptom associated with refractory migraine in a subject having refractory migraine comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway. Compositions for use in the disclosed methods are also provided. Antagonist antibody G1 and antibodies derived from G1 directed to CGRP are also described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/508,574, filed on Jul. 11, 2019, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/712,444, filed on Sep. 22, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,392,434, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Application No. 62/399,180, filed on Sep. 23, 2016 and U.S. Application No. 62/558,557, filed on Sep. 14, 2017. The contents of these prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a prevalent neurological condition characterized by attacks of headache and associated symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and/or phonophobia. In US and Western Europe, the overall prevalence of migraine sufferers is 11% of the general population (6% males; 15-18% females). The two most common forms of migraine, migraine without aura and migraine with aura, occur on less than 15 days per month and are referred to as episodic forms of migraine (EM) (Lipton et al, Neurology 68(5):343-349, 2007). However, 3% to 6% of individuals with EM evolve, in any given year, to a significantly more disabling condition called chronic migraine (CM) (Scher et al, Pain 106(1-2):81-89, 2003). Individuals with CM present with headaches of any severity on 15 or more days per month and have full-blown migraine on at least 8 days per month. A sizable proportion of individuals with CM experience daily headaches and, therefore, faces considerable disability (Bigal and Lipton, Neurology 71(11):848-855, 2008).

Preventive drug treatment of migraine may be appropriate in a number of instances, including where frequency of attacks per month is two or higher, or where a patient's quality of life is severely impaired (Evers et al., Europ. J. Neurol. 16:968-981, 2009). A number of drugs from different pharmacological categories (e.g. beta blockers, anticonvulsants) have been approved for migraine prevention or have class A evidence to support their use. However, patient response and tolerance to some of these medications varies, and compliance and adherence to these medications can be poor (Puledda et al., J. Neurol. Mar 20. doi: 10.1007/s00415-017-8434, 2017).

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide that has been found to be involved in migraine processes, both centrally and peripherally (Eftekhari and Edvinsson, Ther. Adv. Neurol. Disord. 3(6):369-378, 2010, Olesen, Cephalagia 31(5):638, 2011). Jugular levels of CGRP are increased during migraine attacks, and intravenous (iv) CGRP administration induces migraine-like headache in most individuals with migraine (Ashina et al., Neurology 55(9):1335-1340, 2000, Hansen et al., Cephalagia 30(1):1179-1186, 2010). CGRP is involved in the pathophysiology of migraine at all levels, peripherally (vasodilation, inflammation, and protein extravasation), at the trigeminal ganglion, and inside the brain (Ho et al., Nat. Rev. Neurol. 6(10):573-582, 2010). Studies have shown that inhibition of CGRP or antagonizing CGRP receptor has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of EM (Bigal et al., Lancet Neurol. 14:1081-1090, 2015a, Hewitt et al., Cephalagia 31(6):712-722, 2011, Ho et al., Lancet 372(9656):2115-2123, 2008, Olesen et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 350(11):1104-1110, 2004) and CM (Bigal et al., Lancet Neurol. 14:1091-1100, 2015b).

Monoclonal antibodies that modulate the CGRP pathway thus represent a class of promising therapeutic candidates for patients who failed prior preventative treatment for CM and EM.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies and methods of using the same for preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine (i.e., a subject who does not respond favorable to prior preventative migraine treatments). Also disclosed herein are methods of preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway.

Methods of preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of at least one secondary symptom associated with refractory migraine in a subject comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway are also provided. In some embodiments, the amount of the monoclonal antibody administered to the patient can be about 225 mg to about 1000 mg, e.g., about 675 mg or about 900 mg. Accordingly, in some aspects, the methods of preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine can comprise administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the amount of the monoclonal antibody administered to the patient can be about 225 mg to about 1000 mg, e.g., about 675 mg or about 900 mg. In other aspects, the methods of preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of at least one secondary symptom associated with refractory migraine in a subject can comprise administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway are also provided, wherein the amount of the monoclonal antibody administered to the patient can be about 225 mg to about 1000 mg, e.g., about 675 mg or about 900 mg. In one embodiment, the dosing regimen comprises administering an initial antibody dose (or starting antibody dose) of about 675 mg subcutaneously, followed by a monthly antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously for, e.g., about two months, three months, four months, five months, six months, seven months, eight months, nine months, ten months, 11 months, or 12 months, or even a period of greater than one year (e.g., 18 months, two years, or three years). Yet another dosing regimen comprises administering an initial or starting dose of about 900 mg intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes, followed by doses of about 900 mg administered intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes every quarter for, e.g., about one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. Yet another dosing regimen comprises administering an initial or starting dose of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously, followed by doses of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously every quarter for, e.g., about one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years.

Suitable administration schedules include, but are not limited to, monthly or quarterly doses, or a single dose. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be administered monthly. For example, the monoclonal antibody can be administered monthly for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more months. In some aspects, the monoclonal antibody can be administered monthly for three or more months. When administered monthly, the dose of the monoclonal antibody administered to the patient can be about 225 mg to about 900 mg.

The monoclonal antibody can be administered as a single dose. When administered as a single dose, the dose of the monoclonal antibody administered to the patient can be about 675 mg to about 1000 mg.

The treating or reducing can comprise reducing the number of headache hours of any severity, reducing the number of monthly headache days of any severity, reducing the use of any acute headache medications (e.g., migraine-specific acute headache medications), reducing a 6-item Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) disability score, improving 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) score (Ware et al., Med Care 4:220-233, 1996), reducing Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) score (Hurst et al., J Manipulative Physiol Ther 27:26-35, 2004), improving Sport ConCuSSion ASSeSment tool 3 (SCAT-3) score (McCrory et al. British Journal of Sports Medicine 47:263-266, 2013), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the number of monthly headache days can be reduced for at least seven days after a single administration.

In some embodiments, monthly headache hours experienced by the subject after said administering is reduced by 40 or more hours (e.g., 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or more) from a pre-administration level in the subject. Monthly headache hours may be reduced by more than 60 hours. In some embodiments, monthly headache hours experienced by the subject after said administering are reduced by 25% or more (e.g., 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or more) relative to a pre-administration level in the subject. Monthly headache hours may be reduced by 40% or more. In some embodiments, monthly headache days experienced by the subject after said administering is reduced by three or more days (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more days) from a pre-administration level in the subject. In some embodiments, the number of monthly headache days can be reduced by at least about 50% from a pre-administration level in the subject. Thus, in some aspects, the number of monthly headache days can be reduced by at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90%.

In some embodiments, the administering can be subcutaneous administration. In some embodiments, the administering can be intravenous administration. In some embodiments, the administering can comprise utilizing a pre-filled syringe, pre-filled syringe with a needle safety device, injection pen, or auto-injector comprising a dose of the monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be formulated at a concentration of at least 150 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be administered in a volume of less than 2 mL, e.g., about 1.5 mL.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering to the subject a second agent simultaneously or sequentially with the monoclonal antibody. In an embodiment, the second agent is an acute headache treatment (e.g., a migraine-specific acute headache treatment). Accordingly, the second agent can be any of analgesics (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid plus paracetamol plus caffeine, metamizol, phenazon, or tolfenamic acid); antiemetics (e.g., metoclopramide or domperidon); ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine tartrate or dihydroergotamine); and triptans, i.e., 5-HT1 agonists (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, eletriptan, or frovatriptan).

In some embodiments, monthly use of the second agent by the subject is decreased by at least about 15%, e.g., at least 16%, 17%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 25%, 28%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or at least about 95%, after administering the monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the second agent is a triptan.

In some embodiments, the subject is a human.

The monoclonal antibody can be an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is a human or humanized monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibody having a CDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7; and a CDR L3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; or (b) a variant of an antibody according to (a) as shown in Table 6.

Also disclosed are methods of decreasing a number of monthly headache hours experienced by a subject having refractory migraine. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to the subject an amount of a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the monoclonal antibody is in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache hours by at least 20 (e.g., 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or more headache hours) after a single dose. In some embodiments, the number of monthly headache hours is reduced by at least about 50 hours. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to the subject an amount of a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the monoclonal antibody is in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache hours by at least 15% (e.g., 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or more) after a single dose. In some embodiments, the number of monthly headache hours is reduced by at least about 30%. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. In some embodiments, the amount of the monoclonal antibody administered to the patient is about 225 mg to about 1000 mg. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered monthly. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered as a single dose. In some embodiments, the administering is subcutaneous or intravenous administration. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is formulated at a concentration of at least 150 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered in a volume of less than 2 mL, e.g., about 1.5 mL. In some embodiments, the subject is human. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is human or humanized. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibody having a CDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7; and a CDR L3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; or (b) a variant of an antibody according to (a) as shown in Table 6.

Also disclosed are methods of decreasing a number of monthly headache days experienced by a subject having refractory migraine. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to the subject an amount of a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the monoclonal antibody is in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache days by at least 3 (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more headache days) after a single dose. In some embodiments, the number of monthly headache days is reduced by at least about 6 headache days. In some embodiments, the number of monthly headache days can be reduced by at least about 50% from a pre-administration level in the subject. Thus, in some aspects, the number of monthly headache days can be reduced by at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90%. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. In some embodiments, the amount of the monoclonal antibody administered to the patient is about 225 mg to about 1000 mg. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered monthly. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered as a single dose. In some embodiments, the administering is subcutaneous or intravenous administration. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is formulated at a concentration of at least 150 mg/mL. In some embodiments, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered in a volume of less than 2 mL, e.g., about 1.5 mL. In some embodiments, the subject is human. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is human or humanized. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibody having a CDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7; and a CDR L3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; or (b) a variant of an antibody according to (a) as shown in Table 6.

Also disclosed are methods of decreasing use of any acute headache medication in a subject having refractory migraine, comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the monoclonal antibody is in an amount effective to decrease monthly use of the headache medication by the subject by at least 15% (e.g., 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or more). In some embodiments, the acute headache medication is selected from the group consisting of 5-HT1 agonists, triptans, opiates, ergot alkaloids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In some embodiments, the acute headache medication is selected from analgesics (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid plus paracetamol plus caffeine, metamizol, phenazon, or tolfenamic acid); antiemetics (e.g., metoclopramide or domperidon); ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine tartrate or dihydroergotamine); and triptans, i.e., 5-HT1 agonists (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, eletriptan, or frovatriptan). In some embodiments, the acute headache medication is a triptan. In some embodiments, the amount of the monoclonal antibody administered to the patient is about 225 mg to about 1000 mg, e.g., about 675 mg or about 900 mg. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered monthly. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered as a single dose. In some embodiments, the administering is subcutaneous or intravenous administration. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is formulated at a concentration of at least 150 mg/mL. In some embodiments, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered in a volume of less than 2 mL, e.g., about 1.5 mL. In some embodiments, the subject is human. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is human or humanized. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibody having a CDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7; and a CDR L3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; or (b) a variant of an antibody according to (a) as shown in Table 6.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine comprising subcutaneously administering to the subject a loading dose of a monoclonal antibody (e.g., monoclonal anti-CGRP-antagonist antibody) in an amount that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the amount of the monoclonal antibody is about 225 mg to about 1000 mg, e.g., about 675 mg (e.g., three subcutaneous injections of 225 mg each), followed by monthly subcutaneous injections of about 100 mg to about 1000 mg, e.g., about 225 mg, for about one to 12 consecutive months, e.g., five consecutive months.

In some embodiments, the methods include selecting a subject who does not respond favorably to a migraine treatment selected from the group consisting of topiramate, carbamazepine, divalproex sodium, sodium valproate, valproic acid, flunarizine, candesartan, pizotifen, am itriptyline, venlafaxine, nortriptyline, duloxetine, atenolol, nadolol, metoprolol, propranolol, bisopropol, timolol, and onabotulinumtoxinA. In some embodiments, the methods include selecting a subject who does not respond favorably to a migraine treatment selected from the group consisting of topiramate, carbamazepine, divalproex sodium, sodium valproate, flunarizine, pizotifen, am itriptyline, venlafaxine, nortriptyline, duloxetine, atenolol, nadolol, metoprolol, propranolol, timolol, and onabotulinumtoxinA. In some embodiments, the methods include selecting a subject who does not respond favorably to a migraine treatment selected from the group consisting of propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol, bisopropol, topiramate, amitriptyline, flunarizine, candesartan, onabotulinumtoxinA, and valproic acid. In some embodiments, the methods include selecting a subject who does not respond favorably to a migraine treatment selected from propranolol/metoprolol, topiramate, flunarizine, valproate/divalproex, am itriptyline, venlafaxine, lisinopril, candesartan, and locally approved products (e.g. oxeterone or pizotifen). In other embodiments, the methods include selecting a subject who does not respond favorably to one or more migraine treatments of the following classes: beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, tricyclics, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin II receptor antagonists. For example, the subject may have documented inadequate response (in a medical chart or by treating physician's confirmation) to at least two preventive medications (from different clusters, as defined below). Or, the subject may have documented inadequate response (in a medical chart or by treating physician's confirmation) to two to four classes of prior preventive medications (from, e.g., different clusters, as defined below). As another example, the subject may have documented inadequate response (in a medical chart or by treating physician's confirmation) to two to three classes of prior preventive medications (from different clusters, as defined below) and a valrproate (e.g., divalproex sodium, sodium valproate, or valproic acid).

Inadequate response is defined as: no clinically meaningful improvement per treating physician's judgement, after at least three months of therapy at a stable dose considered appropriate for migraine prevention according to accepted country guidelines, or when treatment has to be interrupted because of adverse events that made it intolerable by the patient or the drug is contraindicated or not suitable for the patient. The three month period may not apply if the drug is intolerable or contraindicated or not suitable for the patient. For onabotulinumtoxinA, an inadequate response is defined as: no clinically meaningful improvement per treating physician's judgement, after at least six months of therapy at a stable dose considered appropriate for migraine prevention according to accepted country guidelines, or when treatment has to be interrupted because of adverse events that made it intolerable by the patient. Or, if onabotulinumtoxinA is a previous preventative medication, at least two sets of injections and three months should have passed since the last set of injections.

In some embodiments, the clusters are as follows:

-   -   cluster A: topiramate, carbamazepine, divalproex sodium, and         sodium valproate     -   cluster B: flunarizine and pizotifen     -   cluster C: amitriptyline, venlafaxine, nortriptyline, and         duloxetine     -   cluster D: atenolol, nadolol, metoprolol, propranolol, and         timolol     -   cluster E: onabotulinumtoxinA

In some embodiments, the clusters are as follows:

-   -   cluster A: beta-blockers: propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol, and         bisopropol     -   cluster B: anticonvulsants: topiramate     -   cluster C: tricyclics: amitriptyline     -   cluster D: calcium channel blocker: flunarizine     -   cluster E: angiotensin II receptor antagonist: candesartan     -   cluster F: onabotulinumtoxinA     -   cluster G: valproic acid

Additional clusters (which may be included with either of the groups of clusters above include:

-   -   cluster a: an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor,         such as lisinopril     -   cluster b: a benzocycloheptene-based drug, such as pizotifen     -   cluster c: an antidepressant, such as amitriptyline (Elavil),         trazodone (Desyrel), and imipramine (Tofranil), and venlafaxine     -   cluster d: an anticonvulsant such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or         carbamazepine (Tegretol)     -   cluster e: oxeterone

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine comprising administering to the subject a single dose of a monoclonal antibody (e.g., monoclonal anti-CGRP-antagonist antibody) in an amount that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the amount of the monoclonal antibody is about 225 mg to about 1000 mg, e.g., about 675 mg or about 900 mg. In an embodiment, the subject is refractory to at least two different preventative treatments selected from topiramate, onabotulinumtoxinA, and valproic acid. In an embodiment, the subject is refractory to preventative treatment with topiramate, onabotulinumtoxinA, and valproic acid.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., monoclonal anti-CGRP-antagonist antibody) in an amount that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the amount of the monoclonal antibody is about 225 mg to about 1000 mg, e.g., about 675 mg or about 900 mg. In an embodiment, the subject is refractory to at least two different preventative treatments selected from topiramate, onabotulinumtoxinA, and valproic acid. In an embodiment, the subject is refractory to preventative treatment with topiramate, onabotulinumtoxinA, and valproic acid. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered as a single dose.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides methods for preventing, treating, ameliorating, controlling, reducing incidence of, or delaying the development or progression of migraine in an individual diagnosed with refractory migraine (see, e.g., the criteria described herein) comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody in combination with at least one additional acute headache medication or agent useful for treating migraine. Such additional agents include, e.g., 5-HT1-like agonists (and agonists acting at other 5-HT1 sites), triptans, opiates, ergot alkaloids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In some embodiments, the acute headache medication is selected from analgesics (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid plus paracetamol plus caffeine, metamizol, phenazon, or tolfenamic acid); antiemetics (e.g., metoclopramide or domperidon); ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine tartrate or dihydroergotamine); and triptans, i.e., 5-HT1 agonists (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, eletriptan, or frovatriptan).

Non-limiting examples of 5-HT1 agonists that can be used in combination with an anti-CGRP antibody include a class of compounds known as triptans, such as sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, eletriptan, almotriptan, and frovatriptan. Ergot alkaloids and related compounds are also known to have 5-HT agonist activity and have been used to treat headaches. Included among these compounds are ergotamine tartrate, ergonovine maleate, and ergoloid mesylates (e.g., dihydroergocornine, dihydroergocristine, dihydroergocryptine, and dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE 45)).

Non-limiting examples of NSAIDs (as an acute headache medication) that can be used in combination with an anti-CGRP antibody include aspirin, diclofenac, diflusinal, etodolac, fenbufen, fenoprofen, flufenisal, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, nabumetone, naproxen, oxaprozin, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, tolmetin or zomepirac, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, celecoxib; rofecoxib; meloxicam; JTE-522; L-745,337; NS398; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In one embodiment, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody used in any of the methods described above is any of the antibodies as described herein.

In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody recognizes a human CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds to both human α-CGRP and β-CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds human and rat CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds the C-terminal fragment having amino acids 25-37 of CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds a C-terminal epitope within amino acids 25-37 of CGRP.

In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is a monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the antibody is human. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is antibody G1 (as described herein). In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody comprises one or more CDR(s) (such as one, two, three, four, five, or, in some embodiments, all six CDRs) of antibody G1 or variants of G1 shown in Table 6. In still other embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody comprises the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain variable region shown in FIG. 5 (SEQ ID NO:1) and the amino acid sequence of the light chain variable region shown in FIG. 5 (SEQ ID NO:2).

In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a modified constant region, such as a constant region that is immunologically inert (including partially immunologically inert), e.g., does not trigger complement mediated lysis, does not stimulate antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), does not activate microglia, or having reduced one or more of these activities. In some embodiments, the constant region is modified as described in Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624; PCT Application No. PCT/GB99/01441; and/or UK Patent Application No. 9809951.8. In other embodiments, the antibody comprises a human heavy chain IgG2 constant region comprising the following mutations: A330P331 to S330S331 (amino acid numbering with reference to the wildtype IgG2 sequence). Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624. In some embodiments, the heavy chain constant region of the antibody is a human heavy chain IgG1 with any of the following mutations: 1) A327A330P331 to G327S330S331; 2) E233L234L235G236 (SEQ ID NO:48) to P233V234A235 with G236 deleted; 3) E233L234L235 to P233V234A235; 4) E233L234L235G236A327A330P331 (SEQ ID NO:49) to P233V234A235G327S330S331 (SEQ ID NO:50) with G236 deleted; 5) E233L234L235A327A330P331 (SEQ ID NO:51) to P233V234A235G327S330S331 (SEQ ID NO:50); and 6) N297 to A297 or any other amino acid except N. In some embodiments, the heavy chain constant region of the antibody is a human heavy chain IgG4 with any of the following mutations: E233F234L235G236 (SEQ ID NO:52) to P233V234A235 with G236 deleted; E233F234L235 to P233V234A235; and 5228L235 to P228E235.

In still other embodiments, the constant region is aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation. In some embodiments, the constant region is aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation by mutating the oligosaccharide attachment residue (such as Asn297) and/or flanking residues that are part of the N-glycosylation recognition sequence in the constant region. In some embodiments, the constant region is aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation. The constant region may be aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation enzymatically or by expression in a glycosylation deficient host cell.

The binding affinity (K_(D)) of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody to CGRP (such as human α-CGRP as measured by surface plasmon resonance at an appropriate temperature, such as 25 or 37° C.) can be about 0.02 to about 200 nM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is any of about 200 nM, about 100 nM, about 50 nM, about 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about 100 pM, about 60 pM, about 50 pM, about 20 pM, about 15 pM, about 10 pM, about 5 pM, or about 2 pM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is less than any of about 250 nM, about 200 nM, about 100 nM, about 50 nM, about 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about 100 pM, or about 50 pM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is less than about 50 nM.

The anti-CGRP antagonist antibody may be administered prior to, during, and/or after a migraine in the subject having refractory migraine. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is administered prior to the subject experiencing symptoms of a migraine. Administration of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody can be by any means known in the art, including: orally, intravenously, subcutaneously, intraarterially, intramuscularly, intranasally (e.g., with or without inhalation), intracardially, intraspinally, intrathoracically, intraperitoneally, intraventricularly, sublingually, transdermally, and/or via inhalation. Administration may be systemic, e.g., intravenously, or localized. In some embodiments, an initial or starting dose and one or more additional doses are administered the same way, i.e., subcutaneously or intravenously. In some embodiments, the one or more additional doses are administered in a different way than the initial dose, i.e., the initial dose may be administered intravenously and the one or more additional doses may be administered subcutaneously.

In another aspect, the invention provides use of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody for the manufacture of a medicament for use in any of the methods described herein.

In another aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing, treating, or reducing migraine in a subject having refractory migraine comprising an effective amount of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

In another aspect, the invention provides a kit for use in any of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a container, a composition comprising an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody described herein, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and instructions for using the composition in any of the methods described herein.

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein utilize anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies and polypeptides derived from antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6. Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides an antibody G1 (interchangeably termed “G1” and “TEV-48125”) that is produced by expression vectors having ATCC Accession Nos. PTA-6866 and PTA-6867. For example, in one embodiment is an antibody comprising a heavy chain produced by the expression vector with ATCC Accession No. PTA-6867. In a further embodiment is an antibody comprising a light chain produced by the expression vector with ATCC Accession No. PTA-6866. The amino acid sequences of the heavy chain and light chain variable regions of G1 are shown in FIG. 5. The complementarity determining region (CDR) portions of antibody G1 (including Chothia and Kabat CDRs) are also shown in FIG. 5. It is understood that reference to any part of or entire region of G1 encompasses sequences produced by the expression vectors having ATCC Accession Nos. PTA-6866 and PTA-6867, and/or the sequences depicted in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the invention also provides antibody variants of G1 with amino acid sequences depicted in Table 6.

In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a V_(H) domain that is at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97% at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% identical in amino acid sequence to SEQ ID NO:1.

In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a V_(L) domain that is at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97% at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% identical in amino acid sequence to SEQ ID NO:2.

In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a heavy chain sequence that is at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97% at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% identical in amino acid sequence to SEQ ID NO:11.

In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a light chain sequence that is at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97% at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% identical in amino acid sequence to SEQ ID NO:12.

In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a fragment or a region of the antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6. In one embodiment, the fragment is a light chain of the antibody G1. In another embodiment, the fragment is a heavy chain of the antibody G1. In yet another embodiment, the fragment contains one or more variable regions from a light chain and/or a heavy chain of the antibody G1. In yet another embodiment, the fragment contains one or more variable regions from a light chain and/or a heavy chain shown in FIG. 5. In yet another embodiment, the fragment contains one or more CDRs from a light chain and/or a heavy chain of the antibody G1.

In some embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) comprises the amino acid sequence of KASKXaaVXaaTYVS (SEQ ID NO:53), wherein Xaa at position 5 is R, W, G, L, or N; and wherein Xaa at position 7 is T, A, D, G, R, S, W, or V. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of KASKXaaVXaaTYVS (SEQ ID NO:53) is CDR1 of an antibody light chain.

In some embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) comprises the amino acid sequence of XaaXaaSNRYXaa (SEQ ID NO:54), wherein Xaa at position 1 is G or A; wherein Xaa at position 2 is A or H; and wherein Xaa at position 7 is L, T, I, or S. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of XaaXaaSNRYXaa (SEQ ID NO:54) is CDR2 of an antibody light chain.

In some embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) comprises the amino acid sequence of EIRSXaaSDXaaXaaATXaaYAXaaAVKG (SEQ ID NO:55), wherein Xaa at position 5 is E, R, K, Q, or N; wherein Xaa at position 8 is A, G, N, E, H, S, L, R, C, F, Y, V, D, or P; wherein Xaa at position 9 is S, G, T, Y, C, E, L, A, P, I, N, R, V, D, or M; wherein Xaa at position 12 is H or F; wherein Xaa at position 15 is E or D. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of EIRSXaaSDXaaXaaATXaaYAXaaAVKG (SEQ ID NO:55) is CDR2 of an antibody heavy chain.

In some embodiments, the antibody is a human antibody. In other embodiments, the antibody a humanized antibody. In some embodiments, the antibody is monoclonal. In some embodiments, the antibody (or polypeptide) is isolated. In some embodiments, the antibody (or polypeptide) is substantially pure.

The heavy chain constant region of the antibodies may be from any types of constant region, such as IgG, IgM, IgD, IgA, and IgE; and any isotypes, such as IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4.

In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a modified constant region as described herein.

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for use in decreasing a number of monthly headache hours experienced by a subject with refractory migraine. In one embodiment, the use comprises administering to the subject an amount of a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the monoclonal antibody is in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache hours by at least 20 (e.g., 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or more headache hours) after a single dose. In some embodiments, the number of monthly headache hours is reduced by at least about 50 hours. In one embodiment, the use comprises administering to the subject an amount of a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the monoclonal antibody is in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache hours by at least 15% (e.g., 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or more) after a single dose. In some embodiments, the number of monthly headache hours is reduced by at least about 30%. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. In some embodiments, the amount of the monoclonal antibody administered to the patient is about 675 mg to about 1000 mg. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered monthly. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered as a single dose. In some embodiments, the administering is subcutaneous or intravenous administration. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is formulated at a concentration of at least 150 mg/m L. In some embodiments, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered in a volume of less than 2 mL. In some embodiments, the subject is human. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is human or humanized. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibody having a CDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7; and a CDR L3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; or (b) a variant of an antibody according to (a) as shown in Table 6.

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for use in decreasing a number of monthly headache days experienced by a subject with refractory migraine. In one embodiment, the use comprises administering to the subject an amount of a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the monoclonal antibody is in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache days by at least 3 (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more headache days) after a single dose. In some embodiments, the number of monthly headache days is reduced by at least about 6 headache days. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. In some embodiments, the amount of the monoclonal antibody administered to the patient is about 675 mg to about 1000 mg. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered monthly. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered as a single dose. In some embodiments, the administering is subcutaneous or intravenous administration. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is formulated at a concentration of at least 150 mg/mL. In some embodiments, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered in a volume of less than 2 mL, e.g., about 1.5 mL. In some embodiments, the subject is human. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is human or humanized. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibody having a CDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7; and a CDR L3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; or (b) a variant of an antibody according to (a) as shown in Table 6.

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for use in decreasing use of any acute headache medication in a subject with refractory migraine, comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the monoclonal antibody is in an amount effective to decrease monthly use of the acute headache medication by the subject by at least 15% (e.g., 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or more). In some embodiments, the headache medication is selected from the group consisting of 5-HT1 agonists, triptans, opiates, ergot alkaloids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In some embodiments, the headache medication is a triptan or ergot compound. In some embodiments, the acute headache medication is selected from the group consisting of analgesics (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid plus paracetamol plus caffeine, metamizol, phenazon, or tolfenamic acid); antiemetics (e.g., metoclopramide or domperidon); ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine tartrate or dihydroergotamine); and triptans, i.e., 5-HT1 agonists (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, eletriptan, or frovatriptan). In some embodiments, the amount of the monoclonal antibody administered to the patient is about 675 mg to about 1000 mg. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered monthly. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is administered as a single dose. In some embodiments, the administering is subcutaneous or intravenous administration. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is formulated at a concentration of at least 150 mg/mL. In some embodiments, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered in a volume of less than 2 mL, e.g., about 1.5 mL. In some embodiments, the subject is human. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is human or humanized. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibody having a CDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7; and a CDR L3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; or (b) a variant of an antibody according to (a) as shown in Table 6. In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for use in of preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine comprising administering to the subject a single dose of a monoclonal antibody (e.g., monoclonal anti-CGRP-antagonist antibody) in an amount that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the amount of the monoclonal antibody administered to the patient is about 675 mg to about 1000 mg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a table showing binding affinities of 12 murine antibodies for different alanine substituted human α-CGRP fragments. Binding affinities were measured at 25° C. using Biacore by flowing Fabs across CGRPs on the chip. The boxed values represent the loss in affinity of alanine mutants relative to parental fragment, 25-37 (italic), except K35A, which was derived from a 19-37 parent. “^(a)” indicates affinities for 19-37 and 25-37 fragments are the mean average±standard deviation of two independent measurements on different sensor chips. “^(b)” indicates these interactions deviated from a simple bimolecular interaction model due to a biphasic offrate, so their affinities were determined using a conformational change model. Grey-scale key: white (1.0) indicates parental affinity; light grey (less than 0.5) indicates higher affinity than parent; dark grey (more than 2) indicates lower affinity than parent; and black indicates that no binding was detected.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show the effect of administering CGRP 8-37 (400 nmol/kg), antibody 4901 (25 mg/kg), and antibody 7D11 (25 mg/kg) on skin blood flow measured as blood cell flux after electrical pulse stimulation for 30 seconds. CGRP 8-37 was administered intravenously (iv) 3-5 min before electrical pulse stimulation. Antibodies were administered intraperitoneal (IP) 72 hours before electrical pulse stimulation. Each point in the graphs represents AUC of one rat treated under the conditions as indicated. Each line in the graphs represents average AUC of rats treated under the condition as indicated. AUC (area under the curve) equals to Δflux×Δtime. “Δflux” represents the change of flux units after the electrical pulse stimulation; and “Δtime” represents the time period taken for the blood cell flux level to return to the level before the electrical pulse stimulation.

FIG. 3 shows the effect of administering different dosage of antibody 4901 (25 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, or 1 mg/kg) on skin blood flow measured as blood cell flux after electrical pulse stimulation for 30 seconds. Antibodies were administered intravenously (IV) 24 hours before electrical pulse stimulation. Each point in the graph represents AUC of one rat treated under the conditions as indicated. The line in the graph represents average AUC of rats treated under the condition as indicated.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the effect of administering antibody 4901 (1 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg, i.v.), antibody 7E9 (10 mg/kg, i.v.), and antibody 8B6 (10 mg/kg, i.v.) on skin blood flow measured as blood cell flux after electrical pulse stimulation for 30 seconds. Antibodies were administered intravenously (i.v.) followed by electrical pulse stimulation at 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, and 120 min after antibody administration. Y axis represents percent of AUC as compared to level of AUC when no antibody was administered (time 0). X axis represents time (minutes) period between the administration of antibodies and electrical pulse stimulation. “*” indicates P<0.05, and “**” indicates P<0.01, as compared to time 0. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with a Dunnett's Multiple comparison test.

FIG. 5 shows the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain variable region (SEQ ID NO:1) and light chain variable region (SEQ ID NO:2) of antibody G1. The Kabat CDRs are in bold text, and the Chothia CDRs are underlined. The amino acid residues for the heavy chain and light chain variable region are numbered sequentially.

FIG. 6 shows epitope mapping of antibody G1 by peptide competition using Biacore. N-biotinylated human α-CGRP was captured on SA sensor chip. G1 Fab (50 nM) in the absence of a competing peptide or pre-incubated for 1 hour with 10 μM of a competing peptide was flowed onto the chip. Binding of G1 Fab to the human α-CGRP on the chip was measured. Y axis represents percentage of binding blocked by the presence of the competing peptide compared with the binding in the absence of the competing peptide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some aspects, the invention disclosed herein provides methods for preventing, treating, and/or reducing incidence of migraine in an in a subject having refractory migraine by administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody.

In some aspects, the invention disclosed herein also provides anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies and polypeptides derived from G1 or its variants shown in Table 6, or compositions thereof, for use in treating and/or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine.

General Techniques

The practice of the various aspects of the present invention will employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of molecular biology (including recombinant techniques), microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry and immunology, which are within the skill of the art. Such techniques are explained fully in the literature, such as, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, second edition (Sambrook et al., 1989) Cold Spring Harbor Press; Oligonucleotide Synthesis (M. J. Gait, ed., 1984); Methods in Molecular Biology, Humana Press; Cell Biology: A Laboratory Notebook (J. E. Cellis, ed., 1998) Academic Press; Animal Cell Culture (R. I. Freshney, ed., 1987); Introduction to Cell and Tissue Culture (J. P. Mather and P. E. Roberts, 1998) Plenum Press; Cell and Tissue Culture: Laboratory Procedures (A. Doyle, J. B. Griffiths, and D. G. Newell, eds., 1993-1998) J. Wiley and Sons; Methods in Enzymology (Academic Press, Inc.); Handbook of Experimental Immunology (D. M. Weir and C. C. Blackwell, eds.); Gene Transfer Vectors for Mammalian Cells (J. M. Miller and M. P. Calos, eds., 1987); Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (F. M. Ausubel et al., eds., 1987); PCR: The Polymerase Chain Reaction, (Mullis et al., eds., 1994); Current Protocols in Immunology (J. E. Coligan et al., eds., 1991); Short Protocols in Molecular Biology (Wiley and Sons, 1999); Immunobiology (C. A. Janeway and P. Travers, 1997); Antibodies (P. Finch, 1997); Antibodies: a practical approach (D. Catty., ed., IRL Press, 1988-1989); Monoclonal antibodies: a practical approach (P. Shepherd and C. Dean, eds., Oxford University Press, 2000); Using antibodies: a laboratory manual (E. Harlow and D. Lane (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1999); The Antibodies (M. Zanetti and J. D. Capra, eds., Harwood Academic Publishers, 1995).

Definitions

As used herein, “about” when used in reference to numerical ranges, cutoffs, or specific values is used to indicate that the recited values may vary by up to as much as 10% from the listed value. Thus, the term “about” is used to encompass variations of ±10% or less, variations of ±5% or less, variations of ±1% or less, variations of ±0.5% or less, or variations of ±0.1% or less from the specified value.

An “antibody” is an immunoglobulin molecule capable of specific binding to a target, such as a carbohydrate, polynucleotide, lipid, polypeptide, etc., through at least one antigen recognition site, located in the variable region of the immunoglobulin molecule. As used herein, the term encompasses not only intact polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies, but also fragments thereof (such as Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv), single chain (ScFv), mutants thereof, fusion proteins comprising an antibody portion (such as domain antibodies), and any other modified configuration of the immunoglobulin molecule that comprises an antigen recognition site. An antibody includes an antibody of any class, such as IgG, IgA, or IgM (or sub-class thereof), and the antibody need not be of any particular class. Depending on the antibody amino acid sequence of the constant domain of its heavy chains, immunoglobulins can be assigned to different classes. There are five major classes of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, and several of these may be further divided into subclasses (isotypes), e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1, and IgA2. The heavy-chain constant domains that correspond to the different classes of immunoglobulins are called alpha, delta, epsilon, gamma, and mu, respectively. The subunit structures and three-dimensional configurations of different classes of immunoglobulins are well known.

As used herein, “monoclonal antibody” refers to an antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the population are identical except for possible naturally-occurring mutations that may be present in minor amounts. Monoclonal antibodies are highly specific, being directed against a single antigenic site. Furthermore, in contrast to polyclonal antibody preparations, which typically include different antibodies directed against different determinants (epitopes), each monoclonal antibody is directed against a single determinant on the antigen. The modifier “monoclonal” indicates the character of the antibody as being obtained from a substantially homogeneous population of antibodies, and is not to be construed as requiring production of the antibody by any particular method. For example, the monoclonal antibodies to be used in accordance with the present invention may be made by the hybridoma method first described by Kohler and Milstein, 1975, Nature, 256:495, or may be made by recombinant DNA methods such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567. The monoclonal antibodies may also be isolated from phage libraries generated using the techniques described in McCafferty et al., 1990, Nature, 348:552-554, for example.

As used herein, “humanized” antibodies refer to forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies that are specific chimeric immunoglobulins, immunoglobulin chains, or fragments thereof (such as Fv, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂ or other antigen-binding subsequences of antibodies) that contain minimal sequence derived from non-human immunoglobulin. For the most part, humanized antibodies are human immunoglobulins (recipient antibody) in which residues from a complementarity determining region (CDR) of the recipient are replaced by residues from a CDR of a non-human species (donor antibody) such as mouse, rat, or rabbit having the desired specificity, affinity, and, biological activity. In some instances, Fv framework region (FR) residues of the human immunoglobulin are replaced by corresponding non-human residues. Furthermore, the humanized antibody may comprise residues that are found neither in the recipient antibody nor in the imported CDR or framework sequences, but are included to further refine and optimize antibody performance. In general, the humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the CDR regions correspond to those of a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FR regions are those of a human immunoglobulin consensus sequence. The humanized antibody optimally also will comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region or domain (Fc), typically that of a human immunoglobulin. Antibodies may have Fc regions modified as described in WO 99/58572. Other forms of humanized antibodies have one or more CDRs (one, two, three, four, five, six) which are altered with respect to the original antibody, which are also termed one or more CDRs “derived from” one or more CDRs from the original antibody.

As used herein, “human antibody” means an antibody having an amino acid sequence corresponding to that of an antibody produced by a human and/or has been made using any of the techniques for making human antibodies known in the art or disclosed herein. This definition of a human antibody includes antibodies comprising at least one human heavy chain polypeptide or at least one human light chain polypeptide. One such example is an antibody comprising murine light chain and human heavy chain polypeptides. Human antibodies can be produced using various techniques known in the art. In one embodiment, the human antibody is selected from a phage library, where that phage library expresses human antibodies (Vaughan et al., 1996, Nature Biotechnology, 14:309-314; Sheets et al., 1998, PNAS, (USA) 95:6157-6162; Hoogenboom and Winter, 1991, J. Mol. Biol., 227:381; Marks et al., 1991, J. Mol. Biol., 222:581). Human antibodies can also be made by introducing human immunoglobulin loci into transgenic animals, e.g., mice in which the endogenous immunoglobulin genes have been partially or completely inactivated. This approach is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,545,807; 5,545,806; 5,569,825; 5,625,126; 5,633,425; and 5,661,016. Alternatively, the human antibody may be prepared by immortalizing human B lymphocytes that produce an antibody directed against a target antigen (such B lymphocytes may be recovered from an individual or may have been immunized in vitro). See, e.g., Cole et al., Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, p. 77 (1985); Boerner et al., 1991, J. Immunol., 147 (1):86-95; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,373.

As used herein, the term “calcitonin gene-related peptide” and “CGRP” refers to any form of calcitonin gene-related peptide and variants thereof that retain at least part of the activity of CGRP. For example, CGRP may be α-CGRP or β-CGRP. As used herein, CGRP includes all mammalian species of native sequence CGRP, e.g., human, canine, feline, equine, and bovine.

As used herein, an “anti-CGRP antagonist antibody” (interchangeably termed “anti-CGRP antibody”) refers to an antibody that is able to bind to CGRP and inhibit CGRP biological activity and/or downstream pathway(s) mediated by CGRP signaling. An anti-CGRP antagonist antibody encompasses antibodies that modulate, block, antagonize, suppress or reduce (including significantly) CGRP biological activity, or otherwise antagonize the CGRP pathway, including downstream pathways mediated by CGRP signaling, such as receptor binding and/or elicitation of a cellular response to CGRP. For purpose of the present invention, it will be explicitly understood that the term “anti-CGRP antagonist antibody” encompasses all the previously identified terms, titles, and functional states and characteristics whereby CGRP itself, CGRP biological activity (including but not limited to its ability to mediate any aspect of headache), or the consequences of the biological activity, are substantially nullified, decreased, or neutralized in any meaningful degree. In some embodiments, an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds CGRP and prevents CGRP binding to a CGRP receptor. In other embodiments, an anti-CGRP antibody binds CGRP and prevents activation of a CGRP receptor. Examples of anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies are provided herein.

As used herein, the terms “G1,” “antibody G1,” “TEV-48125,” and fremanezumab are used interchangeably to refer to an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody produced by expression vectors having deposit numbers of ATCC PTA-6867 and ATCC PTA-6866. The amino acid sequence of the heavy chain and light chain variable regions are shown in FIG. 5. The CDR portions of antibody G1 (including Chothia and Kabat CDRs) are diagrammatically depicted in FIG. 5. The polynucleotides encoding the heavy and light chain variable regions are shown in SEQ ID NO:9 and SEQ ID NO:10. The G1 heavy chain full antibody amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO:11. The G1 light chain full antibody amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO:12. The characterization and processes for making antibody G1 (and variants thereof) are described in Examples 1-4 infra, as well as PCT Application No. PCT/IB2006/003181, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety

The terms “polypeptide”, “oligopeptide”, “peptide” and “protein” are used interchangeably herein to refer to polymers of amino acids of any length. The polymer may be linear or branched, it may comprise modified amino acids, and it may be interrupted by non-amino acids. The terms also encompass an amino acid polymer that has been modified naturally or by intervention; for example, disulfide bond formation, glycosylation, lipidation, acetylation, phosphorylation, or any other manipulation or modification, such as conjugation with a labeling component. Also included within the definition are, for example, polypeptides containing one or more analogs of an amino acid (including, for example, unnatural amino acids, etc.), as well as other modifications known in the art. It is understood that, because the polypeptides of this invention are based upon an antibody, the polypeptides can occur as single chains or associated chains.

“Polynucleotide,” or “nucleic acid,” as used interchangeably herein, refer to polymers of nucleotides of any length, and include DNA and RNA. The nucleotides can be deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, modified nucleotides or bases, and/or their analogs, or any substrate that can be incorporated into a polymer by DNA or RNA polymerase. A polynucleotide may comprise modified nucleotides, such as methylated nucleotides and their analogs. If present, modification to the nucleotide structure may be imparted before or after assembly of the polymer. The sequence of nucleotides may be interrupted by non-nucleotide components. A polynucleotide may be further modified after polymerization, such as by conjugation with a labeling component. Other types of modifications include, for example, “caps”, substitution of one or more of the naturally occurring nucleotides with an analog, internucleotide modifications such as, for example, those with uncharged linkages (e.g., methyl phosphonates, phosphotriesters, phosphoamidates, carbamates, etc.) and with charged linkages (e.g., phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, etc.), those containing pendant moieties, such as, for example, proteins (e.g., nucleases, toxins, antibodies, signal peptides, ply-L-lysine, etc.), those with intercalators (e.g., acridine, psoralen, etc.), those containing chelators (e.g., metals, radioactive metals, boron, oxidative metals, etc.), those containing alkylators, those with modified linkages (e.g., alpha anomeric nucleic acids, etc.), as well as unmodified forms of the polynucleotide(s). Further, any of the hydroxyl groups ordinarily present in the sugars may be replaced, for example, by phosphonate groups, phosphate groups, protected by standard protecting groups, or activated to prepare additional linkages to additional nucleotides, or may be conjugated to solid supports. The 5′ and 3′ terminal OH can be phosphorylated or substituted with amines or organic capping group moieties of from 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Other hydroxyls may also be derivatized to standard protecting groups. Polynucleotides can also contain analogous forms of ribose or deoxyribose sugars that are generally known in the art, including, for example, 2′-O-methyl-, 2′-O-allyl, 2′-fluoro- or 2′-azido-ribose, carbocyclic sugar analogs, α-anomeric sugars, epimeric sugars such as arabinose, xyloses or lyxoses, pyranose sugars, furanose sugars, sedoheptuloses, acyclic analogs and abasic nucleoside analogs such as methyl riboside. One or more phosphodiester linkages may be replaced by alternative linking groups. These alternative linking groups include, but are not limited to, embodiments wherein phosphate is replaced by P(O)S(“thioate”), P(S)S (“dithioate”), (O)NR₂ (“amidate”), P(O)R, P(O)OR′, CO or CH₂ (“formacetal”), in which each R or R′ is independently H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl (1-20 C) optionally containing an ether (—O—) linkage, aryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or araldyl. Not all linkages in a polynucleotide need be identical. The preceding description applies to all polynucleotides referred to herein, including RNA and DNA.

As used herein, refractory migraine patients (or “subject having refractory migraine”) are considered refractory if they have a documented inadequate response (in a medical chart or by treating physician's confirmation) to at least two preventive medications (from a different cluster, defined below). Refractory migraine patients can also be considered refractory if they have a documented inadequate response (in a medical chart or by treating physician's confirmation) to two to four classes of prior preventive medications (from different cluster, as defined below), e.g., inadequate response to two classes of prior preventive mendications, inadequate response to three classes of prior preventative medications, or an inadequate response to four classes of prior preventative medications.

Inadequate response is defined as: no clinically meaningful improvement per treating physician's judgement, after at least three months of therapy at a stable dose considered appropriate for migraine prevention according to accepted country guidelines, or when treatment has to be interrupted because of adverse events that made it intolerable by the patient or the drug is contraindicated or not suitable for the patient. The three-month period may not apply if the drug is intolerable or contraindicated or not suitable for the patient. For onabotulinumtoxinA, an inadequate response is defined as: no clinically meaningful improvement per treating physician's judgement, after at least six months of therapy at a stable dose considered appropriate for migraine prevention according to accepted country guidelines, or when treatment has to be interrupted because of adverse events that made it intolerable by the patient. Or, if onabotulinumtoxinA is a previous preventative medication, at least two sets of injections and three months should have passed since the last set of injections.

In some embodiments, the clusters are as follows:

-   -   cluster A: topiramate, carbamazepine, divalproex sodium, and         sodium valproate     -   cluster B: flunarizine and pizotifen     -   cluster C: amitriptyline, venlafaxine, nortriptyline, and         duloxetine     -   cluster D: atenolol, nadolol, metoprolol, propranolol, and         timolol     -   cluster E: onabotulinumtoxinA

In some embodiments, the clusters are as follows:

-   -   cluster A: beta-blockers: propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol, and         bisopropol     -   cluster B: anticonvulsants: topiramate     -   cluster C: tricyclics: amitriptyline     -   cluster D: calcium channel blocker: flunarizine     -   cluster E: angiotensin II receptor antagonist: candesartan     -   cluster F: onabotulinumtoxinA     -   cluster G: valproic acid

Within this group of clusters, a subject has refractory migraine if the patient has an inadequate response to two to four classes of preventative headache medications. For example, a subject has refractory migraine if the patient has an inadequate response to two or three medications each from different clusters (A, B, C, D, E, F) and valproic acid (cluster G).

Additional clusters include:

-   -   cluster a: an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor,         such as lisinopril,     -   cluster b: a benzocycloheptene-based drug, such as pizotifen     -   cluster c: an antidepressant, such as amitriptyline (Elavil),         trazodone (Desyrel), and imipramine (Tofranil), and venlafaxine     -   cluster d: an anticonvulsant such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or         carbamazepine (Tegretol)     -   cluster e: oxeterone

A skilled practitioner will be readily able to recognize and/or diagnose a subject with a refractory migraine.

As used herein, “preventing” is an approach to stop migraine from occurring or existing in a subject, who is not already experiencing migraine. As used herein, “treatment” is an approach for obtaining beneficial or desired clinical results. For purposes of this invention, beneficial or desired clinical results include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: improvement in any aspect of a refractory migraine, including lessening severity, alleviation of pain intensity, and other associated symptoms, reducing frequency of recurrence, reducing the muber of monthly headache days or hours, increasing the quality of life of those suffering from refractory migraine, and decreasing dose of other medications (e.g., acute headache medication) required to treat the refractory migraine.

“Reducing incidence” of migraine means any of reducing severity (which can include reducing need for and/or amount of (e.g., exposure to) other drugs and/or therapies generally used for this condition, including, for example, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, or triptans), duration, and/or frequency (including, for example, delaying or increasing time to next episodic attack in an individual). As is understood by those skilled in the art, individuals may vary in terms of their response to treatment, and, as such, for example, a “method of reducing incidence of migraine in an individual” reflects administering the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody based on a reasonable expectation that such administration may likely cause such a reduction in incidence of migraine in that particular individual.

“Ameliorating” migraine or one or more symptoms of refractory migraine means a lessening or improvement of one or more symptoms of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine as compared to not administering an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. “Ameliorating” also includes shortening or reduction in duration of a symptom.

As used herein, “controlling refractory migraine” refers to maintaining or reducing severity or duration of one or more symptoms of migraine, e.g., the frequency of migraine attacks in an individual having refractory migraine (as compared to the level before treatment). For example, the duration or severity of head pain, or frequency of attacks is reduced by at least about any of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70% in the individual as compared to the level before treatment.

As used herein, a “headache hour” refers to an hour during which a subject experiences headache. Headache hours can be expressed in terms of whole hours (e.g., one headache hour, two headache hours, three headache hours, etc.) or in terms of whole and partial hours (e.g., 0.5 headache hours, 1.2 headache hours, 2.67 headache hours, etc.). One or more headache hours may be described with respect to a particular time interval. For example, “daily headache hours” may refer to the number of headache hours a subject experiences within a day interval (e.g., a 24-hour period). In another example, “weekly headache hours” may refer to the number of headache hours a subject experiences within a week interval (e.g., a 7-day period). As can be appreciated, a week interval may or may not correspond to a calendar week. In another example, “monthly headache hours” may refer to the number of headache hours a subject experiences within a month interval. As can be appreciated, a month interval (e.g., a period of 28, 29, 30, or 31 days) may vary in terms of number of days depending upon the particular month and may or may not correspond to a calendar month. In yet another example, “yearly headache hours” may refer to the number of headache hours a subject experiences within a year interval. As can be appreciated, a year interval (e.g., a period of 365 or 366 days) may vary in terms of number of days depending upon the particular year and may or may not correspond to a calendar year.

As used herein, a “headache day” refers to a day during which a subject experiences headache. Headache days can be expressed in terms of whole days (e.g., one headache day, two headache days, three headache days, etc.) or in terms of whole and partial days (e.g., 0.5 headache days, 1.2 headache days, 2.67 headache days, etc.). One or more headache days may be described with respect to a particular time interval. For example, “weekly headache days” may refer to the number of headache days a subject experiences within a week interval (e.g., a 7-day period). As can be appreciated, a week interval may or may not correspond to a calendar week. In another example, “monthly headache days” may refer to the number of headache days a subject experiences within a month interval. As can be appreciated, a month interval (e.g., a period of 28, 29, 30, or 31 days) may vary in terms of number of days depending upon the particular month and may or may not correspond to a calendar month. In yet another example, “yearly headache days” may refer to the number of headache days a subject experiences within a year interval. As can be appreciated, a year interval (e.g., a period of 365 or 366 days) may vary in terms of number of days depending upon the particular year and may or may not correspond to a calendar year.

As used therein, “delaying” the development of migraine means to defer, hinder, slow, retard, stabilize, and/or postpone progression of the disease in a subject having refractory migraine. This delay can be of varying lengths of time, depending on the history of the disease and/or individuals being treated. As is evident to one skilled in the art, a sufficient or significant delay can, in effect, encompass prevention, in that the individual does not develop migraine, especially after being diagnosed with refractory migraine due to inadequate response to prior preventative treatments. A method that “delays” development of the symptom is a method that reduces probability of developing the symptom in a given time frame and/or reduces extent of the symptoms in a given time frame, when compared to not using the method. Such comparisons are typically based on clinical studies, using a statistically significant number of subjects.

“Development” or “progression” of migraine means initial manifestations and/or ensuing progression of the disorder in a subject having refractory migraine. Development of migraine can be detectable and assessed using standard clinical techniques as well known in the art.

As used herein, an “effective dosage” or “effective amount” of drug, compound, or pharmaceutical composition is an amount sufficient to effect beneficial or desired results. For prophylactic use, beneficial or desired results include results such as eliminating or reducing the risk, lessening the severity, or delaying the onset of the disease, including biochemical, histological and/or behavioral symptoms of the disease, its complications and intermediate pathological phenotypes presenting during development of the disease. For therapeutic use, beneficial or desired results include clinical results such as reducing pain intensity, duration, or frequency of refractory migraine attack, and decreasing one or more symptoms resulting from refractory migraine (biochemical, histological and/or behavioral), including its complications and intermediate pathological phenotypes presenting during development of the disease, increasing the quality of life of those suffering from the disease, decreasing the dose of other medications required to treat the disease, enhancing effect of another medication, and/or delaying the progression of the disease of patients. An effective dosage can be administered in one or more administrations. For purposes of this disclosure, an effective dosage of drug, compound, or pharmaceutical composition is an amount sufficient to accomplish prophylactic or therapeutic treatment either directly or indirectly. As is understood in the clinical context, an effective dosage of a drug, compound, or pharmaceutical composition may or may not be achieved in conjunction with another drug, compound, or pharmaceutical composition. Thus, an “effective dosage” may be considered in the context of administering one or more therapeutic agents, and a single agent may be considered to be given in an effective amount if, in conjunction with one or more other agents, a desirable result may be or is achieved.

An “individual” or a “subject” is a mammal, more preferably a human. Mammals also include, but are not limited to, farm animals, sport animals, pets, primates, horses, dogs, cats, mice and rats.

A. Methods for Preventing, Treating, or Reducing Refractory Migraine and/or at Least One Secondary Symptom Associated with Refractory Migraine

In one aspect, the invention provides methods of preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating or reducing incidence of at least one secondary symptom associated with refractory migraine in a subject. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of an antibody or polypeptides derived from the antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway (e.g., a monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody).

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for preventing, ameliorating, controlling, reducing incidence of, or delaying the progression of migraine in an individual having refractory migraine or symptoms associated with the diagnosis of refractory migraine comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of an antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway or an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody in combination with additional agent(s) useful for treating migraine, for example, the additional agent(s) can be an acute headache medication.

Such additional agents include, but are not limited to, 5-HT agonists, triptans, NSAIDs, analgesics, antiemetics, ergot alkaloids. For example, the antibody and the at least one additional acute migrainte medication can be concomitantly administered, i.e., they can be given in close enough temporal proximity to allow their individual therapeutic effects to overlap.

Additional non-limiting examples of additional acute migraine agents that may be administered in combination with an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody include one or more of:

(i) an opioid analgesic, e.g., morphine, heroin, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, levorphanol, levallorphan, methadone, meperidine, fentanyl, cocaine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, propoxyphene, nalmefene, nalorphine, naloxone, naltrexone, buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine or pentazocine; (ii) a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), e.g., aspirin, diclofenac, diflusinal, etodolac, fenbufen, fenoprofen, flufenisal, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, nabumetone, naproxen, oxaprozin, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, tolmetin or zomepirac, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, celecoxib; rofecoxib; meloxicam; JTE-522; L-745,337; NS398; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (iii) a barbiturate sedative, e.g., amobarbital, aprobarbital, butabarbital, butabital (including butalbital combinations, e.g., butalbital/aspirin/caffeine (Fiorinal®, Actavis) or butalbital/paracetamol/caffeine (Fioricet®, Cardinal Health)), mephobarbital, metharbital, methohexital, pentobarbital, phenobartital, secobarbital, talbutal, theamylal or thiopental; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (iv) a barbiturate analgesic, e.g., butalbital or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising butalbital. (v) a benzodiazepine having a sedative action, e.g., chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, or triazolam or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (vi) an H1 antagonist having a sedative action, e.g., diphenhydramine, pyrilamine, promethazine, chlorpheniramine, or chlorcyclizine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (vii) a sedative such as glutethimide, meprobamate, methaqualone or dichloralphenazone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (viii) a skeletal muscle relaxant, e.g., baclofen, carisoprodol, chlorzoxazone, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol or orphrenadine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (ix) an NMDA receptor antagonist, e.g., dextromethorphan ((+)-3-hydroxy-N-methylmorphinan) or its metabolite dextrorphan ((+)-3-hydroxy-N-methylmorphinan), ketamine, memantine, pyrroloquinoline quinone or cis-4-(phosphonomethyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (x) an alpha-adrenergic, e.g., doxazosin, tamsulosin, clonidine or 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-methanesulfonamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)-5-(2-pyridyl) quinazoline; (xi) a COX-2 inhibitor, e.g., celecoxib, rofecoxib or valdecoxib; (xii) a coal-tar analgesic, in particular paracetamol; (xiii) a neuroleptic such as droperidol; (xiv) a vanilloid receptor agonist (e.g., resinferatoxin) or antagonist (e.g., capsazepine); (xv) a local anaesthetic, such as mexiletine; (xxii) a corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone; (xxiii) a serotonin receptor agonist or antagonist; (xxiv) a cholinergic (nicotinic) analgesic; (xxv) tramadol; (xxvi) a PDEV inhibitor, such as sildenafil, vardenafil or taladafil; (xxvii) an alpha-2-delta ligand such as gabapentin or pregabalin; and (xxviii) a cannabinoid.

Those skilled in the art will recognize the difference between administration of a drug for the acute treatment of migraine and for migraine prophylaxis (i.e., for the preventative treatment of migraine).

Those skilled in the art will be able to determine appropriate dosage amounts for particular agents to be used in combination with an anti-CGRP antibody. For example, sumatriptan may be administered in a dosage from about 0.01 to about 300 mg. In some cases, sumatriptan may be administered in a dosage from about 2 mg to about 300 mg, e.g., about 5 mg to about 250 mg, about 5 mg to about 200 mg, about 5 mg to about 100 mg, about 5 mg to about 50 mg, or about 5 mg to about 25 mg. When administered non-parenterally, the typical dosage of sumatriptan is from about 25 to about 100 mg with about 50 mg being generally preferred, e.g., about 45 mg, about 55 mg, or about 60 mg. When sumatriptan is administered parenterally, the preferred dosage is about 6 mg, e.g., about 5 mg, about 7 mg, or about 8 mg. However, these dosages may be varied according to methods standard in the art so that they are optimized for a particular patient or for a particular combination therapy. Further, for example, celecoxib may be administered in an amount of between 50 and 500 mg, e.g., about 50 mg to about 400 mg, about 50 mg to about 300 mg, about 50 mg to about 200 mg, about 50 mg to about 100 mg, about 100 mg to about 400 mg, or about 200 mg to about 300 mg. Further, the label for any approved acute headache medication can also provide appropriate dosage amounts for the desired result.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, the amount of the monoclonal antibody administered on each of the plurality of days may be between 0.1 mg-5000 mg, 1 mg-5000 mg, 10 mg-5000 mg, 100 mg-5000 mg, 1000 mg-5000 mg, 0.1 mg-4000 mg, 1 mg-4000 mg, 10 mg-4000 mg, 100 mg-4000 mg, 1000 mg-4000 mg, 0.1 mg-3000 mg, 1 mg-3000 mg, 10 mg-3000 mg, 100 mg-3000 mg, 1000 mg-3000 mg, 0.1 mg-2000 mg, 1 mg-2000 mg, 10 mg-2000 mg, 100 mg-2000 mg, 1000 mg-2000 mg, 0.1 mg-1000 mg, 1 mg-1000 mg, 10 mg-1000 mg, or 100 mg-1000 mg. In some embodiments, the amount is between about 225 mg and about 1000 mg, e.g., about 675 mg or about 900 mg. An exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial antibody dose of about 675 mg subcutaneously, followed by a monthly antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously for, e.g., about two months, three months, four months, five months, six months, seven months, eight months, nine months, ten months, 11 months, or 12 months, or even a period of greater than one year (e.g., 18 months, two years, or three years). Another exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously, followed by a monthly antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously for, e.g., about two months, three months, four months, five months, six months, seven months, eight months, nine months, ten months, 11 months, or 12 months, or even a period of greater than one year (e.g., 18 months, two years, or three years). Yet another dosing regimen comprises administering an initial antibody dose of about 900 mg intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes, followed by doses of about 900 mg administered intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes every quarter for, e.g., one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. Yet another dosing regimen comprises administering an initial or starting dose of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously, followed by doses of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously every quarter for, e.g., about one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. However, other dosage regimens may be useful, depending on the pattern of pharmacokinetic decay that the practitioner wishes to achieve. In some embodiments, the initial dose (i.e., starting dose) and one or more of the additional doses are administered the same way, e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously. In some embodiments, the one or more additional doses are administered in a different way than the initial or starting dose, e.g., the initial dose may be administered intravenously and the one or more additional doses may be administered subcutaneously.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine comprising administering to the subject a single dose of a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) in an amount that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, the single dose may be an amount of antibody between 0.1 mg-5000 mg, 1 mg-5000 mg, 10 mg-5000 mg, 100 mg-5000 mg, 1000 mg-5000 mg, 0.1 mg-4000 mg, 1 mg-4000 mg, 10 mg-4000 mg, 100 mg-4000 mg, 1000 mg-4000 mg, 0.1 mg-3000 mg, 1 mg-3000 mg, 10 mg-3000 mg, 100 mg-3000 mg, 1000 mg-3000 mg, 0.1 mg-2000 mg, 1 mg-2000 mg, 10 mg-2000 mg, 100 mg-2000 mg, 1000 mg-2000 mg, 0.1 mg-1000 mg, 1 mg-1000 mg, 10 mg-1000 mg or 100 mg-1000 mg. In some embodiments, the single dose may be an amount of antibody between 225 mg and about 1000 mg, e.g., about 225 mg, about 675 mg or about 900 mg. In another embodiment, the single dose may be an amount of antibody between 675 mg and 900 mg.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine comprising administering to the subject a monthly dose of a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) in an amount that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, the single dose may be an amount of antibody between 0.1 mg-5000 mg, 1 mg-5000 mg, 10 mg-5000 mg, 100 mg-5000 mg, 1000 mg-5000 mg, 0.1 mg-4000 mg, 1 mg-4000 mg, 10 mg-4000 mg, 100 mg-4000 mg, 1000 mg-4000 mg, 0.1 mg-3000 mg, 1 mg-3000 mg, 10 mg-3000 mg, 100 mg-3000 mg, 1000 mg-3000 mg, 0.1 mg-2000 mg, 1 mg-2000 mg, 10 mg-2000 mg, 100 mg-2000 mg, 1000 mg-2000 mg, 0.1 mg-1000 mg, 1 mg-1000 mg, 10 mg-1000 mg or 100 mg-1000 mg. In some embodiments, the monthly dose may be an amount of antibody between about 225 mg and about 1000 mg, e.g., about 225 mg, about 675 mg or about 900 mg. An exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial antibody dose of about 675 mg subcutaneously, followed by a monthly antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously for, e.g., about two months, three months, four months, five months, six months, seven months, eight months, nine months, ten months, 11 months, or 12 months, or even a period of greater than one year (e.g., 18 months, two years, or three years). Another exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously, followed by a monthly antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously for, e.g., about two months, three months, four months, five months, six months, seven months, eight months, nine months, ten months, 11 months, or 12 months, or even a period of greater than one year (e.g., 18 months, two years, or three years). Yet another dosing regimen comprises administering an initial antibody dose of about 900 mg intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes, followed by doses of about 900 mg administered intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes every quarter for, e.g., one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. Yet another dosing regimen comprises administering an initial or starting dose of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously, followed by doses of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously every quarter for, e.g., about one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. However, other dosage regimens may be useful, depending on the pattern of pharmacokinetic decay that the practitioner wishes to achieve. In some embodiments, the initial dose (i.e., starting dose) and one or more of the additional doses are administered the same way, e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously. In some embodiments, the one or more additional doses are administered in a different way than the initial or starting dose, e.g., the initial dose may be administered intravenously and the one or more additional doses may be administered subcutaneously.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of decreasing a number of monthly headache hours experienced by a subject having refractory migraine, comprising administering to the subject an amount of a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache hours by at least 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 or more headache hours after a single dose, monthly dose, or quarterly dose. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache hours by at least 20 headache hours after a single dose, monthly dose, or quarterly dose. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache hours by at least 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, or more headache hours. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache hours by at least 0.1%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or more after a single dose. In some embodiments, the monoclonal can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache hours by at least 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or more after a single dose, monthly dose, or quarterly dose.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of decreasing a number of monthly headache days experienced by a subject having refractory migraine, comprising administering to the subject an amount of a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache days by at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more headache days after a single dose. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache days by at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more headache days after a monthly dose or quarterly dose. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache days by at least 0.1%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or more after a single dose, monthly dose, or quarterly dose.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of decreasing use of an acute headache medication in a subject having refractory migraine, comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease daily, monthly, quarterly, and/or yearly use of the anti-headache medication by the subject by at least 0.1%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or more. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease monthly use of the anti-headache medication by the subject by at least 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or more. The anti-headache medication can be any type of acute headache medication described herein. The acute headache medication can be migraine-specific hedache medications, which are identifiable to one of skill in the art (e.g., triptans and ergot compounds). Non-limiting examples of acute headache medications include, for example, 5-HT1 agonists (and agonists acting at other 5-HT1 sites), triptans (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, eletriptan, almotriptan, afrovatriptan), ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine tartrate, ergonovine maleate, and ergoloid mesylates (e.g., dihydroergocornine, dihydroergocristine, dihydroergocryptine, and dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE 45)) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., aspirin, diclofenac, diflusinal, etodolac, fenbufen, fenoprofen, flufenisal, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, nabumetone, naproxen, oxaprozin, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, tolmetin or zomepirac, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, celecoxib; rofecoxib; meloxicam; JTE-522; L-745,337; NS398; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof), opiates/opiods (e.g., codeine, oxycodone), and barbituates.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of decreasing the monthly average number of days of use of a migraine-specific acute headache medication in a subject having refractory migraine, comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the monthly average number of days of use of the acute headache medication by at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more days after a single dose. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the monthly average number of days of use of the acute headache medication by at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more days after a monthly dose or quarterly dose. In some embodiments, the migraine-specific acute headache medication is a triptan or ergot compound.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of decreasing the monthly average number of days with nausea and/or vomiting experienced by a subject having refractory migraine, comprising administering to the subject an amount of a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly nausea and/or vomiting days by at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more nausea and/or vomiting days after a single dose. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly nausea and/or vomiting days by at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more nausea and/or vomiting days after a monthly dose or quarterly dose. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly nausea and/or vomiting days by at least 0.1%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or more after a single dose, monthly dose, or quarterly dose.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of decreasing the monthly average number of days with photophobia and/or phonophobia experienced by a subject having refractory migraine, comprising administering to the subject an amount of a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly photophobia and/or phonophobia days by at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more photophobia and/or phonophobia days after a single dose. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly photophobia and/or phonophobia days by at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more photophobia and/or phonophobia days after a monthly dose or quarterly dose. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly photophobia and/or phonophobia days by at least 0.1%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or more after a single dose, monthly dose, or quarterly dose.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of improving the quality of life of a subject having refractory migraine, comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, changes in quality of life are self-reported by the subject. In some embodiments, changes in the quality of life of a subject are measured using a Migraine-Specific Quality of Life (MSQOL) questionnaire. The MSQOL questionnaire, and various versions thereof, are known in the art.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of improving the health-related quality of life of a subject, comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, changes in health-related quality of life are self-reported by the subject. In some embodiments, changes in the health-related quality of life of a subject are measured using a EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ 5D) questionnaire. The EQ 5D questionnaire, and various versions thereof, are known in the art.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of reducing the disability due to migraine of a subject having refractory migraine, comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, changes in disability due to migraine are self-reported by the subject. In some embodiments, changes in disability due to migraine of a subject are measured using a 6-item Headache Impact Test (HIT-6). The HIT-6, and various versions thereof, are known in the art.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of reducing the disability due to migraine of a subject having refractory migraine, comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, changes in disability due to migraine are self-reported by the subject. In some embodiments, changes in disability due to migraine of a subject are measured using a Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire. The MIDAS questionnaire, and various versions thereof, are known in the art.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of reducing depression in a subject, comprising administering to the subject having refractory migraine a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, changes in depression status are self-reported by the subject. In some embodiments, changes in the depression status of a subject are measured using the two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) or the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). In some embodiments, changes in the depression status of a subject are measured using the two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) and the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of improving the work productivity and activity of a subject having refractory migraine, comprising administering to the subject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, changes in work productivity and activity are self-reported by the subject. In some embodiments, changes in the the work productivity and activity of a subject are measured using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. The WPAI questionnaire, and various versions thereof, are known in the art.

With respect to all methods described herein, references to antibodies (e.g., monoclonal antibodies that modulate the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies) also include compositions comprising one or more of these agents. Accordingly, such a composition may be used according to a method referring to an antibody described herein. These compositions may further comprise suitable excipients, such as pharmaceutically acceptable excipients as described elsewhere herein.

An antibody described herein (e.g., a monoclonal antibody, an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, a monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) can be administered to an individual or subject in any therapeutic dose, via any suitable route and in any suitable formulation. It should be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the examples described herein are not intended to be limiting but to be illustrative of the techniques available. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an antibody described herein can be administered to a subject in accord with known methods, such as intravenous administration, e.g., as a bolus or by continuous infusion over a period of time, e.g., about 10 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 40 minutes, about 50 minutes, about 60 minutes, about 90 minutes, about 120 minutes, about 180 minutes, or about 240 minutes. The antibody described herein can also be administered to the subject by subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intracerebrospinal, intra-articular, sublingually, intra-arterial, intrasynovial, via insufflation, intrathecal, oral, inhalation, intranasal (e.g., with or without inhalation), buccal, rectal, transdermal, intracardiac, intraosseous, intradermal, transmucosal, vaginal, intravitreal, peri-articular, local, epicutaneous, or topical routes. Administration can be systemic, e.g., intravenous administration, or localized. Commercially available nebulizers for liquid formulations, including jet nebulizers and ultrasonic nebulizers are useful for administration. Liquid formulations can be directly nebulized and lyophilized powder can be nebulized after reconstitution. Alternatively, an antibody described herein can be aerosolized using a fluorocarbon formulation and a metered dose inhaler, or inhaled as a lyophilized and milled powder.

In some embodiments, an antibody described herein can be administered via site-specific or targeted local delivery techniques. Examples of site-specific or targeted local delivery techniques include various implantable depot sources of the antibody or local delivery catheters, such as infusion catheters, an indwelling catheter, or a needle catheter, synthetic grafts, adventitial wraps, shunts and stents or other implantable devices, site specific carriers, direct injection, or direct application. See e.g., PCT Publication No. WO 00/53211 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,568, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Various formulations of an antibody described herein may be used for administration. In some embodiments, an antibody may be administered neat. In some embodiments, antibody and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient may be in various formulations. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are known in the art, and are relatively inert substances that facilitate administration of a pharmacologically effective substance. For example, an excipient can give form or consistency, or act as a diluent. Suitable excipients include but are not limited to stabilizing agents, wetting and emulsifying agents, salts for varying osmolarity, encapsulating agents, buffers, and skin penetration enhancers. Excipients as well as formulations for parenteral and nonparenteral drug delivery are set forth in Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. Mack Publishing (2000).

In some embodiments, these agents, including antibodies described herein, may be formulated for administration by injection (e.g., intravenously, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, etc.). Accordingly, these agents can be combined with pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles such as saline, Ringer's solution, dextrose solution, and the like. The particular dosage regimen, i.e., dose, timing and repetition, will depend on the particular individual and that individual's medical history.

In some embodiments, these agents, including antibodies described herein, may be formulated for peripheral administration. Such formulations can be administered peripherally via any suitable peripheral route, including intravenously and subcutaneously. An agent prepared for peripheral administration can include a substance, medicament, and/or antibody that is not delivered centrally, spinally, intrathecally, or directly into the CNS. Non-limiting examples of peripheral administration routes include a route which is oral, sublingual, buccal, topical, rectal, via inhalation, transdermal, subcutaneous, intravenous, intra-arterial, intramuscular, intracardiac, intraosseous, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transmucosal, vaginal, intravitreal, intra-articular, peri-articular, local, or epicutaneous.

Therapeutic formulations of the antibodies used in accordance with the present disclosure can be prepared for storage and/or use by mixing an antibody having the desired degree of purity with optional pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients or stabilizers (Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. Mack Publishing (2000)), and can in some cases be in the form of lyophilized formulations or aqueous solutions. Acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed. A therapeutic formulation of an antibody may comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients or stabilizes with non-limiting examples of such species that include buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; salts such as sodium chloride; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine; preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens, such as methyl or propyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids (e.g., at concentrations of 0.1 mM to 100 mM, 0.1 mM to 1 mM, 0.01 mM to 50 mM, 1 mM to 50 mM, 1 mM to 30 mM, 1 mM to 20 mM, 10 mM to 25 mM) such as glycine, glutamine, methionine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents (e.g., at concentrations of 0.001 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL to 0.1 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL to 0.01 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mL to 0.1 mg/mL) such as EDTA (e.g., disodium EDTA dihydrate); sugars (e.g., at concentrations of 1 mg/mL to 500 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL to 200 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL to 150 mg/mL) such as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol; salt-forming counter-ions such as sodium; metal complexes (e.g., Zn-protein complexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants (e.g., at concentrations of 0.01 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mL to 0.5 mg/mL) such as TWEEN™ (e.g., polysorbate (e.g., polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80)), PLURONICS™ or polyethylene glycol (PEG).

An antibody formulation may be characterized in terms of any of a variety of physical properties. For example, a liquid antibody formulation may have any suitable pH for therapeutic efficacy, safety and storage. For example, the pH of a liquid antibody formulation may be from pH 4 to about pH 9, from about pH 5 to about pH 8, from about pH 5 to about pH 7 or from about pH 6 to about pH 8. In some embodiments, a liquid antibody formulation may have a pH of about 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or about 10 or higher or lower.

In another example, a liquid antibody formulation may have any suitable viscosity for therapeutic efficacy, safety and storage. For example, the viscosity of a liquid antibody formulation may be from about 0.5 centipoise (cP) to about 100 cP, about 1 cP to about 50 cP, about 1 cP to about 20 cP, about 1 cP to about 15 cP, or about 5 cP to about 15 cP at 25° C. In some embodiments, a liquid antibody formulation may have a viscosity of about 0.5 cP, 1 cP, 1.2 cP, 1.4 cP, 1.6 cP, 1.8 cP, 2.0 cP, 2.2 cP, 2.4 cP, 2.6 cP, 2.8 cP, 3.0 cP, 3.2 cP, 3.4 cP, 3.6 cP, 3.8 cP, 4.0 cP, 4.2 cP, 4.4 cP, 4.6 cP, 4.8 cP, 5.0 cP, 5.2 cP, 5.4 cP, 5.6 cP, 5.8 cP, 6.0 cP, 6.2 cP, 6.4 cP, 6.6 cP, 6.8 cP, 7.0 cP, 7.2 cP, 7.4 cP, 7.6 cP, 7.8 cP, 8.0 cP, 8.2 cP, 8.4 cP, 8.6 cP, 8.8 cP, 9.0 cP, 9.2 cP, 9.4 cP, 9.6 cP, 9.8 cP, 10.0 cP, 10.2 cP, 10.4 cP, 10.6 cP, 10.8 cP, 11.0 cP, 11.2 cP, 11.4 cP, 11.6 cP, 11.8 cP, 12.0 cP, 12.2 cP, 12.4 cP, 12.6 cP, 12.8 cP, 13.0 cP, 13.2 cP, 13.4 cP, 13.6 cP, 13.8 cP, 14.0 cP, 14.2 cP, 14.4 cP, 14.6 cP, 14.8 cP, or about 15.0 cP at 25° C. or the viscosity may be higher or lower.

In another example, a liquid antibody formulation may have any suitable conductivity for therapeutic efficacy, safety and storage. For example, the conductivity of a liquid antibody formulation may be from about 0.1 millisiemens per centimeter (mS/cm) to about 15 mS/cm, 0.1 mS/cm to 10 mS/cm, 0.1 mS/cm to 5 mS/cm, 0.1 mS/cm to 2 mS/cm or 0.1 mS/cm to 1.5 mS/cm. In some embodiments, a liquid antibody formulation may have a conductivity of 0.19 mS/cm, 0.59 mS/cm, 1.09 mS/cm, 1.19 mS/cm, 1.29 mS/cm, 1.39 mS/cm, 1.49 mS/cm, 1.59 mS/cm, 1.69 mS/cm, 1.79 mS/cm, 1.89 mS/cm, 1.99 mS/cm, 2.09 mS/cm, 2.19 mS/cm, 2.29 mS/cm, 2.39 mS/cm, 2.49 mS/cm, 2.59 MS/CM, 2.69 mS/cm, 2.79 mS/cm, 2.89 mS/cm, 2.99 mS/cm, 3.09 mS/cm, 3.19 mS/cm, 3.29 mS/cm, 3.39 mS/cm, 3.49 mS/cm, 3.59 mS/cm, 3.69 mS/cm, 3.79 mS/cm, 3.89 mS/cm, 3.99 mS/cm, 4.09 mS/cm, 4.19 mS/cm, 4.29 mS/cm, 4.39 mS/cm, 4.49 mS/cm, 4.59 mS/cm, 4.69 mS/cm, 4.79 mS/cm, 4.89 mS/cm, 4.99 mS/cm, 5.09 mS/cm, 6.09 mS/cm, 6.59 mS/cm, 7.09 mS/cm, 7.59 mS/cm, 8.09 mS/cm, 8.59 mS/cm, 9.09 mS/cm, 9.59 mS/cm, 10.09 mS/cm, 10.59 mS/cm, 11.09 mS/cm, 11.59 mS/cm, 12.09 mS/cm, 12.59 mS/cm, 13.09 mS/cm, 13.59 mS/cm, 14.09 mS/cm, 14.59 mS/cm, or about 15.09 mS/cm or the conductivity may be higher or lower.

In another example, a liquid antibody formulation may have any suitable osmolality for therapeutic efficacy, safety, and storage. For example, the osmolality of a liquid antibody formulation may be from about 50 milliosmole per kilogram (mOsm/kg) to about 5000 mOsm/kg, about 50 mOsm/kg to about 2000 mOsm/kg, about 50 mOsm/kg to about 1000 mOsm/kg, about 50 mOsm/kg to about 750 mOsm/kg, or about 50 mOsm/kg to about 500 mOsm/kg. In some embodiments, a liquid antibody formulation may have an osmolality of about 50 mOsm/kg, 60 mOsm/kg, 70 mOsm/kg, 80 mOsm/kg, 90 mOsm/kg, 100 mOsm/kg 120 mOsm/kg, 140 mOsm/kg, 160 mOsm/kg, 180 mOsm/kg, 200 mOsm/kg, 220 mOsm/kg, 240 mOsm/kg, 260 mOsm/kg, 280 mOsm/kg, 300 mOsm/kg, 320 mOsm/kg, 340 mOsm/kg, 360 mOsm/kg, 380 mOsm/kg, 400 mOsm/kg, 420 mOsm/kg, 440 mOsm/kg, 460 mOsm/kg, 480 mOsm/kg, 500 mOsm/kg, 520 mOsm/kg, 540 mOsm/kg, 560 mOsm/kg, 580 mOsm/kg, 600 mOsm/kg, 620 mOsm/kg, 640 mOsm/kg, 660 mOsm/kg, 680 mOsm/kg, 700 mOsm/kg, 720 mOsm/kg, 740 mOsm/kg, 760 mOsm/kg, 780 mOsm/kg, 800 mOsm/kg, 820 mOsm/kg, 840 mOsm/kg, 860 mOsm/kg, 880 mOsm/kg, 900 mOsm/kg, 920 mOsm/kg, 940 mOsm/kg, 960 mOsm/kg, 980 mOsm/kg, 1000 mOsm/kg, 1050 mOsm/kg, 1100 mOsm/kg, 1150 mOsm/kg, 1200 mOsm/kg, 1250 mOsm/kg, 1300 mOsm/kg, 1350 mOsm/kg, 1400 mOsm/kg, 1450 mOsm/kg, about 1500 mOsm/kg, or the osmolality may be higher or lower.

Liposomes containing antibody can be prepared by methods known in the art, such as described in Epstein, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82:3688 (1985); Hwang, et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 77:4030 (1980); and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,485,045 and 4,544,545. Liposomes with enhanced circulation time are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,556. Particularly useful liposomes can be generated by the reverse phase evaporation method with a lipid composition comprising phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and PEG-derivatized phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE). Liposomes are extruded through filters of defined pore size to yield liposomes with the desired diameter.

The active ingredients may also be entrapped in microcapsules prepared, for example, by coacervation techniques or by interfacial polymerization, for example, hydroxymethylcellulose or gelatin-microcapsules and poly-(methylmethacylate) microcapsules, respectively, in colloidal drug delivery systems (for example, liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nano-particles and nanocapsules) or in macroemulsions. Such techniques are disclosed in Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. Mack Publishing (2000).

Sustained-release preparations may be prepared. Suitable examples of sustained-release preparations include semipermeable matrices of solid hydrophobic polymers containing the antibody, which matrices are in the form of shaped articles, e.g., films, or microcapsules. Examples of sustained-release matrices include polyesters, hydrogels (for example, poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate), or ‘poly(v nylalcohol)), polylactides (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919), copolymers of L-glutamic acid and 7 ethyl-L-glutamate, non-degradable ethylene-vinyl acetate, degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers such as the LUPRON DEPOT™ (injectable microspheres composed of lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer and leuprolide acetate), sucrose acetate isobutyrate, and poly-D-(−)-3-hydroxybutyric acid.

The formulations to be used for in vivo administration should generally be sterile. This is readily accomplished by, for example, filtration through sterile filtration membranes. Therapeutic antibody compositions are generally placed into a container having a sterile access port, for example, an intravenous solution bag or vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle.

The compositions according to the present invention may be in unit dosage forms such as tablets, pills, capsules, powders, granules, solutions or suspensions, or suppositories, for oral, parenteral or rectal administration, or administration by inhalation or insufflation. In some cases, a unit dosage form may be supplied in a prefilled receptacle (e.g., a prefilled syringe) useful in administering the unit dosage to a subject.

In some embodiments, a formulation comprising an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein may be prepared for any suitable route of administration with an antibody amount ranging from about 0.1 mg to about 3000 mg, about 1 mg to about 1000 mg, about 100 mg to about 1000 mg, or about 100 mg to about 500 mg, about 200 mg to about 800 mg, about 500 mg to about 1500 mg, about 1500 mg to about 2500 mg, or about 2000 mg to about 3000 mg. In some cases, a formulation comprising an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein may comprise an antibody amount of, at most, or at least about 0.1 mg, 1 mg, 100 mg, 1 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 125 mg, 150 mg, 175 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 275 mg, 300 mg, 325 mg, 350 mg, 375 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 475 mg, 500 mg, 525 mg, 550 mg, 575 mg, 600 mg, 625 mg, 650 mg, 675 mg, 700 mg, 725 mg, 750 mg, 775 mg, 800 mg, 825 mg, 850 mg, 875 mg, 900 mg, 925 mg, 950 mg, 975 mg, 1000 mg, 1100 mg, 1200 mg, 1300 mg, 1400 mg, 1500 mg, 1600 mg, 1700 mg, 1800 mg, 1900 mg, 2000 mg, or about 3000 mg.

In some embodiments, a liquid formulation comprising an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein may be prepared for any suitable route of administration with an antibody concentration ranging from about 0.1 mg/mL to about 500 mg/mL, about 0.1 mg/mL to about 375 mg/mL, about 0.1 mg/mL to about 250 mg/mL, about 0.1 to about 175 mg/mL, about 0.1 to 100 mg/mL, about 1 mg/mL to about 500 mg/mL, about 1 mg/mL to about 375 mg/mL, about 1 mg/mL to about 300 mg/mL, about 1 mg/mL to 250 mg/mL, about 1 mg/mL to 200 mg/mL, about 1 mg/mL to 150 mg/mL, about 1 mg/mL to about 100 mg/mL, about 10 mg/mL to 500 mg/mL, about 10 mg/mL to about 375 mg/mL, about 10 mg/mL to 250 mg/mL, about 10 mg/mL to about 150 mg/mL, about 10 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL, about 100 mg/mL to 500 mg/mL, about 100 mg/mL to 450 mg/mL, about 100 mg/mL to 400 mg/mL, about 100 mg/mL to about 350 mg/mL, about 100 mg/mL to about 300 mg/mL, about 100 mg/mL to about 250 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL to 200 mg/mL, or about 100 mg/mL to about 150 mg/mL. In some embodiments, a liquid formulation may comprise an antibody described herein at a concentration of, of at most, of at least, or less than about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, or about 500 mg/mL.

An antibody formulation may comprise one or more components including the antibody and other species described elsewhere herein. The antibody and other components may be in any suitable amount and/or any suitable concentration for therapeutic efficacy of the antibody, safety and storage. In one example, an antibody formulation may be a solution comprising about 51.4 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 16-20 mM histidine, 0.1 mg/mL methionine, 84 mg/mL trehalose dihydrate, 0.05 mg/mL disodium EDTA dihydrate, and 0.2 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 200 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 15 mM arginine, 78 mg/mL sucrose, 0.3 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.1 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 175 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 20 mM glycine, 88 mg/mL trehalose dihydrate, 0.015 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.25 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 225 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 23 mM asparagine, 84 mg/mL sorbitol, 0.1 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.15 mg/mL polysorbate 60.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 150 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 17 mM asparagine, 74 mg/mL mannitol, 0.025 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.2 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 100 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 16 mM arginine, 87 mg/mL mannitol, 0.025 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.15 mg/mL polysorbate 20.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 250 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 25 mM histidine, 74 mg/mL mannitol, 0.025 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.25 mg/mL polysorbate 20.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 50 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 19 mM arginine, 84 mg/mL sucrose, 0.05 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.3 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 125 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 22 mM glycine, 79 mg/mL trehalose dihydrate, 0.15 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.15 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may be a solution comprising about 175 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 20 mM histidine, 0.1 mg/mL methionine, 84 mg/mL trehalose dihydrate, 0.05 mg/mL disodium EDTA dihydrate, and 0.2 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 200 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 30 mM arginine, 78 mg/mL sucrose, 0.3 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.1 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 175 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 20 mM glycine, 88 mg/mL trehalose dihydrate, 0.015 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.15 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 150 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 20 mM histidine, 84 mg/mL sucrose, 0.05 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.2 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 225 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 23 mM histidine, 84 mg/mL sorbitol, 0.1 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.15 mg/mL polysorbate 60.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 150 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 17 mM asparagine, 74 mg/mL mannitol, 0.3 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.2 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 100 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 16 mM arginine, 87 mg/mL mannitol, 0.025 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.25 mg/mL polysorbate 20.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise about 250 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 25 mM histidine, 89 mg/mL mannitol, 0.025 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.25 mg/mL polysorbate 20.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 125 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 29 mM arginine, 84 mg/mL sucrose, 0.05 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.3 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 150 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 25 mM asparagine, 84 mg/mL mannitol, 0.05 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.2 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 145 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 22 mM histidine, 72 mg/mL trehalose dihydrate, 0.05 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.1 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

An antibody described herein can be administered using any suitable method, including by injection (e.g., intravenously, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, etc.). Antibodies can also be administered via inhalation, as described herein. In some cases, an antibody may be administered nasally with or without inhalation. Generally, for administration of an antibody described herein, an initial candidate dosage can be about 2 mg/kg. For the purpose of the present invention, a typical daily dosage might range from about any of 3 pg/kg to 30 pg/kg to 300 pg/kg to 3 mg/kg, to 30 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. For example, dosage of about 1 mg/kg, about 2.5 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg, about 10 mg/kg, about 25 mg/kg, and about 30 mg/kg may be used. For repeated administrations over several days or longer, depending on the condition, the treatment is sustained until a desired suppression of symptoms occurs or until sufficient therapeutic levels are achieved, for example, to reduce pain. An exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial or starting dose of about 8.5 mg/kg, or about 10 mg/kg, followed by a maintenance dose of about 2.8 mg/kg of an antibody, or followed by a maintenance dose of about 2.8 mg/kg every other week. Another exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering a dose of about 100 mg, 125 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 275 mg, 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg, 600 mg, about 675 mg, or about 900 mg to a subject once per month (e.g., approximately every 28 days) intravenously in an infusion over about one hour, or subcutaneously. For example, an exemplary dosing regimen can comprise administering an initial antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously, followed by a monthly antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously for, e.g., about two months, three months, four months, five months, six months, seven months, eight months, nine months, ten months, 11 months, or 12 months, or even a period of greater than one year (e.g., 18 months, two years, or three years). Another exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial antibody dose of about 675 mg subcutaneously, followed by a monthly antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously for, e.g., about two months, three months, four months, five months, six months, seven months, eight months, nine months, ten months, 11 months, or 12 months, or even a period of greater than one year (e.g., 18 months, two years, or three years). Yet another dosing regimen comprises administering an initial or starting dose of about 900 mg intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes, followed by doses of about 900 mg administered intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes every quarter for, e.g., one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. Yet another dosing regimen comprises administering an initial or starting dose of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously, followed by doses of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously every quarter for, e.g., about one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. However, other dosage regimens may be useful, depending on the pattern of pharmacokinetic decay that the practitioner wishes to achieve. For example, in some embodiments, dosing from about one to about four times a week is contemplated. The progress of this therapy is easily monitored by conventional techniques and assays. The dosing regimen (including the CGRP antagonist(s) used) can vary over time.

In some embodiments, the dose or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein and administered to a subject may range from about 0.1 μg to about 3000 mg, 1 mg to 1000 mg, 100 mg to 1000 mg, 100 mg to 500 mg, 0.1 mg to 5000 mg, 1 mg to 4000 mg, 250 mg to 1000 mg, 500 mg to 1000 mg, 100 mg to 900 mg, 400 mg to 900 mg, 10 mg to 3000 mg, 10 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 2000 mg, 150 mg to 2000 mg, 200 mg to 2000 mg, 250 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to 2000 mg, 350 mg to 2000 mg, 400 mg to 2000 mg, 450 mg to 2000 mg, 500 mg to 2000 mg, 550 mg to 2000 mg, 600 mg to 2000 mg, 650 mg to 2000 mg, 700 mg to 2000 mg, 750 mg to 2000 mg, 800 mg to 2000 mg, 850 mg to 2000 mg, 900 mg to 2000 mg, 950 mg to 2000 mg, or 1000 mg to 2000 mg. In some embodiments, the dose or amount of an antibody described herein and administered to a subject may be, may be at most, may be less than, or may be at least about 0.1 μg, 1 μg, 100 μg, 1 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 125 mg, 150 mg, 175 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 275 mg, 300 mg, 325 mg, 350 mg, 375 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 475 mg, 500 mg, 525 mg, 550 mg, 575 mg, 600 mg, 625 mg, 650 mg, 675 mg, 700 mg, 725 mg, 750 mg, 775 mg, 800 mg, 825 mg, 850 mg, 875 mg, 900 mg, 925 mg, 950 mg, 975 mg, 1000 mg, 1100 mg, 1200 mg, 1300 mg, 1400 mg, 1500 mg, 1600 mg, 1700 mg, 1800 mg, 1900 mg, 2000 mg, or about 3000 mg. In some embodiments, the amount is between about 225 mg to about 1000 mg, e.g., about 225 mg, about 675 mg or about 900 mg. An exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously, followed by a monthly antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously for, e.g., about two months, three months, four months, five months, six months, seven months, eight months, nine months, ten months, 11 months, or 12 months, or even a period of greater, than one year (e.g., 18 months, two years, or three years). An exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial antibody dose of about 675 mg subcutaneously, followed by a monthly antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously for, e.g., about two months, three months, four months, five months, six months, seven months, eight months, nine months, ten months, 11 months, or 12 months, or even a period of greater than one year (e.g., 18 months, two years, or three years). Yet another dosing regimen comprises administering an initial or starting dose of about 900 mg intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes, followed by doses of about 900 mg administered intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes every quarter for, e.g., one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. Yet another dosing regimen comprises administering an initial or starting dose of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously, followed by doses of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously every quarter for, e.g., about one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. However, other dosage regimens may be useful, depending on the pattern of pharmacokinetic decay that the practitioner wishes to achieve.

In some embodiments, the dose or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein and administered to a subject may range from about 0.1 to 500, 0.1 to 100, 0.1 to 50, 0.1 to 20, 0.1 to 10, 1 to 10, 1 to 7, 1 to 5 or 0.1 to 3 mg/kg of body weight. In some embodiments, the dose or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein and administered to a subject may be, may be at most, may be less than, or may be at least about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, 11.0, 11.5, 12.0, 12.5, 13.0, 13.5, 14.0, 14.5, 15.0, 15.5, 16.0, 16.5, 17.0, 17.5, 18.0, 18.5, 19.0, 19.5, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, or about 500 mg/kg of body weight.

In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein is administered to a subject may vary. In some embodiments, a single dose of antibody may be given to a subject across therapy. In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of an antibody is administered to a subject is constant (e.g., administered about once per month or about once per quarter). In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of an antibody is administered to a subject is about every quarter for about one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of an antibody described herein is administered to a subject is variable (e.g., an initial or starting dose followed by a dose at once per month, followed by additional doses at about three months and about seven months). In some embodiments, the frequency at which an antibody is administered to a subject is, is at least, is less than, or is at most about one, two, three, four, five, or six time(s) per day. In some embodiments, the frequency at which an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) is administered to a subject is, is at least, is less than, or is at most about one, two, three, four, five, or six dose(s) per day.

In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein is administered to a subject is, is at least, is less than, or is at most one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, or twenty time(s) per every one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five, twenty-six, twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty, thirty-one, thirty-two, thirty-three, thirty-four, thirty-five, thirty-six, thirty-seven, thirty-eight, thirty-nine, forty, forty-one, forty-two, forty-three, forty-four, forty-five, forty-six, forty-seven, forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty, fifty-five, sixty, sixty-five, seventy, seventy-five, eighty, eighty-five, ninety, ninety-five, one-hundred, one-hundred twenty-five, one-hundred fifty, one-hundred eighty, or two-hundred day(s).

In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein is administered to a subject is, is at least, is less than, or is at most one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, or twenty time(s) per every one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five, twenty-six, twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty, thirty-one, thirty-two, thirty-three, thirty-four, thirty-five, thirty-six, thirty-seven, thirty-eight, thirty-nine, forty, forty-one, forty-two, forty-three, forty-four, forty-five, forty-six, forty-seven, forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty, fifty-five, sixty, sixty-five, seventy, seventy-five, eighty, eighty-five, ninety, ninety-five, or one-hundred week(s). In some embodiments, the frequency at which an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein is administered to a subject is less than one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or fifteen dose(s) per week.

In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) is administered to a subject is, is at least, is less than, or is at most about one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, or twenty time(s) per every month, every two months, every three months, every four months, every five months, every six months, every seven months, every eight months, every nine months, every ten months, every eleven months, every twelve months, every thirteen months, every fourteen months, every fifteen months, every sixteen months, every seventeen months, or every eighteen month(s). In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) is administered to a subject is about one time per every one month. In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) is administered to a subject is about one time per every three months. In some embodiments, the frequency at which an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein is administered to a subject is less than about one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or fifteen dose(s) per month. In some embodiments, a dose or amount of an antibody may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously in an infusion) to a subject one time, two times, three times, four times, five times, six times, seven times, eight times, nine times, ten times or more per month.

In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of about 50 mg, 100 mg 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg, 600 mg, 650 mg, 675 mg, 700 mg, 750 mg, 800 mg, 850 mg, 900 mg, 950 mg, 1000 mg, 1050 mg, 1100 mg, 1150 mg, 1200 mg, 1250 mg, 1300 mg, 1350 mg, 1400 mg, 1450 mg, 1500 mg, 1550 mg, 1600 mg, 1650 mg, 1700 mg, 1750 mg, 1800 mg, 1850 mg, 1900 mg, 1950 mg, 2000 mg, 2050 mg, 2100 mg, 2150 mg, 2200 mg, 2250 mg, 2300 mg, 2350 mg, 2400 mg, 2450 mg, 2500 mg, 2550 mg, 2600 mg, 2650 mg, 2700 mg, 2750 mg, 2800 mg, 2850 mg, 2900 mg, 2950 mg, 3000 mg, or more may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously in an infusion) to a subject once per month. In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of between about 0.1 mg to 5000 mg, 1 mg to 4000 mg, 10 mg to 3000 mg, 10 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 2000 mg, 150 mg to 2000 mg, 200 mg to 2000 mg, 250 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to 2000 mg, 350 mg to 2000 mg, 400 mg to 2000 mg, 450 mg to 2000 mg, 500 mg to 2000 mg, 550 mg to 2000 mg, 600 mg to 2000 mg, 650 mg to 2000 mg, 700 mg to 2000 mg, 750 mg to 2000 mg, 800 mg to 2000 mg, 850 mg to 2000 mg, 900 mg to 2000 mg, 950 mg to 2000 mg, or about 1000 mg to 2000 mg may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously in an infusion) to a subject once per month. In some embodiments, between about 225 mg and about 1000 mg, e.g., about 225 mg of antibody are administered once per month. An exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial antibody dose of about 675 mg subcutaneously, followed by a monthly antibody dose of about 225 mg subcutaneously for, e.g., about two months, three months, four months, five months, six months, seven months, eight months, nine months, ten months, 11 months, or 12 months, or even a period of greater than one year (e.g., 18 months, two years, or three years). However, other dosage regimens may be useful, depending on the pattern of pharmacokinetic decay that the practitioner wishes to achieve.

In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of about 50 mg, 100 mg 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg, 600 mg, 650 mg, 675 mg, 700 mg, 750 mg, 800 mg, 850 mg, 900 mg, 950 mg, 1000 mg, 1050 mg, 1100 mg, 1150 mg, 1200 mg, 1250 mg, 1300 mg, 1350 mg, 1400 mg, 1450 mg, 1500 mg, 1550 mg, 1600 mg, 1650 mg, 1700 mg, 1750 mg, 1800 mg, 1850 mg, 1900 mg, 1950 mg, 2000 mg, 2050 mg, 2100 mg, 2150 mg, 2200 mg, 2250 mg, 2300 mg, 2350 mg, 2400 mg, 2450 mg, 2500 mg, 2550 mg, 2600 mg, 2650 mg, 2700 mg, 2750 mg, 2800 mg, 2850 mg, 2900 mg, 2950 mg, 3000 mg, or more may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously in an infusion) to a subject every three months. In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of between about 0.1 mg to 5000 mg, 1 mg to 4000 mg, 10 mg to 3000 mg, 10 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 2000 mg, 150 mg to 2000 mg, 200 mg to 2000 mg, 250 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to 2000 mg, 350 mg to 2000 mg, 400 mg to 2000 mg, 450 mg to 2000 mg, 500 mg to 2000 mg, 550 mg to 2000 mg, 600 mg to 2000 mg, 650 mg to 2000 mg, 700 mg to 2000 mg, 750 mg to 2000 mg, 800 mg to 2000 mg, 850 mg to 2000 mg, 900 mg to 2000 mg, 950 mg to 2000 mg, or 1000 mg to 2000 mg may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously in an infusion) to a subject every three months. In some embodiments, between about 225 mg to about 1000 mg is administered once every three months or less, e.g., about 675 mg is administered subcutaneously about every three months or about 900 mg is administered about every three months intravenously in an infusion. An exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial or starting dose of about 900 mg intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes, followed by doses of about 900 mg administered intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes every three months for one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. Another exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial or starting dose of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously, followed by doses of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously every three months for about one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. However, other dosage regimens may be useful, depending on the pattern of pharmacokinetic decay that the practitioner wishes to achieve.

In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of about 50 mg, 100 mg 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg, 600 mg, 650 mg, 675 mg, 700 mg, 750 mg, 800 mg, 850 mg, 900 mg, 950 mg, 1000 mg, 1050 mg, 1100 mg, 1150 mg, 1200 mg, 1250 mg, 1300 mg, 1350 mg, 1400 mg, 1450 mg, 1500 mg, 1550 mg, 1600 mg, 1650 mg, 1700 mg, 1750 mg, 1800 mg, 1850 mg, 1900 mg, 1950 mg, 2000 mg, 2050 mg, 2100 mg, 2150 mg, 2200 mg, 2250 mg, 2300 mg, 2350 mg, 2400 mg, 2450 mg, 2500 mg, 2550 mg, 2600 mg, 2650 mg, 2700 mg, 2750 mg, 2800 mg, 2850 mg, 2900 mg, 2950 mg, 3000 mg, or more may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously in an infusion) to a subject every six months. In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of between about 0.1 mg to 5000 mg, 1 mg to 4000 mg, 10 mg to 3000 mg, 10 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 2000 mg, 150 mg to 2000 mg, 200 mg to 2000 mg, 250 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to 2000 mg, 350 mg to 2000 mg, 400 mg to 2000 mg, 450 mg to 2000 mg, 500 mg to 2000 mg, 550 mg to 2000 mg, 600 mg to 2000 mg, 650 mg to 2000 mg, 700 mg to 2000 mg, 750 mg to 2000 mg, 800 mg to 2000 mg, 850 mg to 2000 mg, 900 mg to 2000 mg, 950 mg to 2000 mg, or 1000 mg to 2000 mg may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously in an infusion) to a subject every six months. In some embodiments, between 225 mg to 1000 mg is administered once every six months or less. However, other dosage regimens may be useful, depending on the pattern of pharmacokinetic decay that the practitioner wishes to achieve.

In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) is administered to a subject (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously) is, is at least, is less than, or is at most one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, or twenty time(s) per every quarter. As can be appreciated, a “quarter” can refer to a time period of a quarter year or may also refer to a calendar quarter such as a time period of January 1-March 31, April 1-June 30, July 1-September 30, or October 1-December 31. In some cases, a “quarter” may refer to a time period of approximately three months.

In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of about 50 mg, 100 mg 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg, 600 mg, 650 mg, 675 mg, 700 mg, 750 mg, 800 mg, 850 mg, 900 mg, 950 mg, 1000 mg, 1050 mg, 1100 mg, 1150 mg, 1200 mg, 1250 mg, 1300 mg, 1350 mg, 1400 mg, 1450 mg, 1500 mg, 1550 mg, 1600 mg, 1650 mg, 1700 mg, 1750 mg, 1800 mg, 1850 mg, 1900 mg, 1950 mg, 2000 mg, 2050 mg, 2100 mg, 2150 mg, 2200 mg, 2250 mg, 2300 mg, 2350 mg, 2400 mg, 2450 mg, 2500 mg, 2550 mg, 2600 mg, 2650 mg, 2700 mg, 2750 mg, 2800 mg, 2850 mg, 2900 mg, 2950 mg, 3000 mg, or more may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously in an infusion) to a subject every quarter. In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of between about 0.1 mg to 5000 mg, 1 mg to 4000 mg, 10 mg to 3000 mg, 10 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 2000 mg, 150 mg to 2000 mg, 200 mg to 2000 mg, 250 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to 2000 mg, 350 mg to 2000 mg, 400 mg to 2000 mg, 450 mg to 2000 mg, 500 mg to 2000 mg, 550 mg to 2000 mg, 600 mg to 2000 mg, 650 mg to 2000 mg, 700 mg to 2000 mg, 750 mg to 2000 mg, 800 mg to 2000 mg, 850 mg to 2000 mg, 900 mg to 2000 mg, 950 mg to 2000 mg, or 1000 mg to 2000 mg may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously in an infusion) to a subject every quarter. An exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial or starting dose of about 900 mg intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes, followed by doses of about 900 mg administered intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes every quarter for one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. Another exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial or starting dose of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously, followed by doses of about 675 mg administered subcutaneously every quarter for about one year, two years, three years, four years, or five years. However, other dosage regimens may be useful, depending on the pattern of pharmacokinetic decay that the practitioner wishes to achieve.

In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) is administered is, is at least, is less than, or is at most about one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, or twenty time(s) per every year, every two years, every three years, every four years, or every five years. In some embodiments, the frequency at which an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) is administered to a subject is less than one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four or twenty-five dose(s) per year.

In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of about 50 mg, 100 mg 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg, 600 mg, 650 mg, 675 mg, 700 mg, 750 mg, 800 mg, 850 mg, 900 mg, 950 mg, 1000 mg, 1050 mg, 1100 mg, 1150 mg, 1200 mg, 1250 mg, 1300 mg, 1350 mg, 1400 mg, 1450 mg, 1500 mg, 1550 mg, 1600 mg, 1650 mg, 1700 mg, 1750 mg, 1800 mg, 1850 mg, 1900 mg, 1950 mg, 2000 mg, 2050 mg, 2100 mg, 2150 mg, 2200 mg, 2250 mg, 2300 mg, 2350 mg, 2400 mg, 2450 mg, 2500 mg, 2550 mg, 2600 mg, 2650 mg, 2700 mg, 2750 mg, 2800 mg, 2850 mg, 2900 mg, 2950 mg, 3000 mg, or more may be administered to a subject once per year. In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of between about 0.1 mg to 5000 mg, 1 mg to 4000 mg, 10 mg to 3000 mg, 10 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 2000 mg, 150 mg to 2000 mg, 200 mg to 2000 mg, 250 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to 2000 mg, 350 mg to 2000 mg, 400 mg to 2000 mg, 450 mg to 2000 mg, 500 mg to 2000 mg, 550 mg to 2000 mg, 600 mg to 2000 mg, 650 mg to 2000 mg, 700 mg to 2000 mg, 750 mg to 2000 mg, 800 mg to 2000 mg, 850 mg to 2000 mg, 900 mg to 2000 mg, 950 mg to 2000 mg, or 1000 mg to 2000 mg may be administered to a subject every once per year. In some embodiments, between about 450 mg and about 2000 mg is administered once every year or less.

In some embodiments, a method may comprise administering an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein to a subject on a plurality of days. Two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more days of the plurality of days may be more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or more days apart. In some embodiments, two of the plurality of days are more than one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five, twenty-six, twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty or more days apart. Moreover, in some embodiments, the amount of antibody administered on a first day of the plurality of days may be different (e.g., higher or lower) than the amount of the antibody administered on a second day.

In some embodiments, an initial dose (which can also be referred to as a loading dose or a starting dose) of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein may be administered to a subject, followed by administration of one or more additional doses at desired intervals. In some embodiments, the initial dose (or starting dose) and one or more of the additional doses are the same dose. In some embodiments, the one or more additional doses are a different dose than the initial or starting dose. In some embodiments, the initial dose and one or more of the additional doses are administered the same way, i.e., subcutaneously or intravenously. In some embodiments, the one or more additional doses are administered in a different way than the initial dose, e.g., the initial dose may be administered intravenously and the one or more additional doses may be administered subcutaneously. In some embodiments, the frequency at which the one or more additional doses are administered is constant (e.g., every month or every three months). In some embodiments, the frequency at which the one or more additional doses are administered is variable (e.g., one additional dose administered at one month following the initial dose, followed by another additional dose at three months following the initial dose). Any desirable and/or therapeutic regimen of initial loading dose, additional doses, and frequency (e.g., including those described herein) of additional doses may be used. An exemplary regimen includes an initial loading dose of about 225 mg anti CGRP antagonist antibody administered subcutaneously, followed by subsequent maintenance doses of about 225 mg of the antibody administered subcutaneously at one month intervals. An exemplary regimen includes an initial loading dose of about 675 mg anti-CGRP antagonist antibody administered subcutaneously, followed by subsequent maintenance doses of about 225 mg of the antibody administered subcutaneously at one month intervals. Yet another exemplary regimen includes an initial dose of about 900 mg anti-CGRP antagonist antibody administered intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes, followed by subsequent maintenance doses of about 900 mg anti-CGRP antagonist antibody administered intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes at three month intervals. Another exemplary regimen comprises an initial or starting dose of about 675 mg anti-CGRP antagonist antibody administered subcutaneously, followed by subsequent maintenance doses of about 675 mg anti CGRP antagonist antibody administered subcutaneously at three month intervals.

In some embodiments, an initial dose (or starting dose) of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) of about 0.1 μg, 1 μg, 100 μg, 1 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 125 mg, 150 mg, 175 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 275 mg, 300 mg, 325 mg, 350 mg, 375 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 475 mg, 500 mg, 525 mg, 550 mg, 575 mg, 600 mg, 625 mg, 650 mg, 675 mg, 700 mg, 725 mg, 750 mg, 775 mg, 800 mg, 825 mg, 850 mg, 875 mg, 900 mg, 925 mg, 950 mg, 975 mg, 1000 mg, 1500 mg, 2000 mg, or about 3000 mg may be administered to a subject followed by one or more additional doses of the antibody of about 0.1 μg, 1 μg, 100 μg, 1 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 125 mg, 150 mg, 175 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 275 mg, 300 mg, 325 mg, 350 mg, 375 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 475 mg, 500 mg, 525 mg, 550 mg, 575 mg, 600 mg, 625 mg, 650 mg, 675 mg, 700 mg, 725 mg, 750 mg, 775 mg, 800 mg, 825 mg, 850 mg, 875 mg, 900 mg, 925 mg, 950 mg, 975 mg, 1000 mg, 1500 mg, 2000 mg, or about 3000 mg. An exemplary regimen includes an initial loading dose of about 225 mg anti CGRP antagonist antibody administered subcutaneously, followed by subsequent maintenance doses of about 225 mg of the antibody administered subcutaneously at one month intervals. An exemplary regimen includes an initial loading dose of about 675 mg anti-CGRP antagonist antibody administered subcutaneously, followed by subsequent maintenance doses of about 225 mg of the antibody administered subcutaneously at one month intervals. Yet another exemplary regimen includes an initial dose of about 900 mg anti-CGRP antagonist antibody administered intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes, followed by subsequent maintenance doses of about 900 mg anti-CGRP antagonist antibody administered intravenously in an infusion over about 60 minutes at three month intervals. Another exemplary regimen comprises an initial or starting dose of about 675 mg anti-CGRP antagonist antibody administered subcutaneously, followed by subsequent maintenance doses of about 675 mg anti-CGRP antagonist antibody administered subcutaneously at three month intervals.

In some embodiments, a dose or amount of antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein may be divided into sub-doses and administered as multiple sub-doses, depending, for example, on the route of administration and/or particular formulation administered. For example, in cases where a dose is administered subcutaneously, the subcutaneous dose may be divided into multiple sub-doses and each sub-dose administered at a different site in order to avoid, for example, a larger, single subcutaneous injection at a single site. For example, an intravenous dose of 900 mg may be divided into four sub-doses of 225 mg each. As another example, a subcutaneous dose of 675 mg may be divided into three sub-doses of 225 mg each and each 225 mg dose may be administered at a different site, which can help minimize the volume injected at each site. The division of sub-doses may be equal (e.g., three equal sub-doses) or may be unequal (e.g., three sub-doses, two of the sub-doses twice as large as the other sub-doses).

In some embodiments, the number of doses of antibody administered to a subject over the course of treatment may vary depending upon, for example, achieving reduced incidence of a refractory migraine and/or secondary symptom associated with a refractory migraine in the subject. For example, the number of doses administered over the course of treatment may be, may be at least, or may be at most 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, or treatment may be given indefinitely. In some cases, treatment may be acute such that at most 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 doses are administered to a subject for treatment.

In some embodiments, a dose (or sub-dose) or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein may be formulated in a liquid formulation and administered (e.g., via subcutaneous injection, via intravenous injection) to a subject. In such cases, the volume of liquid formulation comprising antibody may vary depending upon, for example, the concentration of antibody in the liquid formulation, the desired dose of antibody, and/or the route of administration used. For example, the volume of liquid formulation comprising an antibody described herein and administered (e.g., via an injection, such as, for example, a subcutaneous injection or an intravenous infusion) to a subject may be from about 0.001 mL to about 10.0 mL, about 0.01 mL to about 5.0 mL, about 0.1 mL to about 5 mL, about 0.1 mL to about 3 mL, about 0.5 mL to about 2.5 mL, or about 1 mL to about 2.5 mL. For example, the volume of liquid formulation comprising an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein and administered (e.g., via an injection, such as, for example, a subcutaneous injection, or an intravenous infusion) to a subject may be, may be at least, may be less than, or may be at most about 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or about 10.0 mL.

In some embodiments, a dose (or sub-dose) or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein may be supplied in prefilled receptacles useful in administering antibody to a subject. Such prefilled receptacles may be designed for self-administration or for administration by another. For example, a dose (or sub-dose) or amount of antibody described herein may be supplied as a liquid formulation in pre-filled syringes, pre-filled syringes with a needle safety device, injection pens, or auto-injectors. In such examples, the pre-filled syringes may be designed for self-administration or for administration by another. In some cases, the pre-filled syringes or auto-injectors may be designed for subcutaneous administration and/or intravenous administration.

For the purpose of the present invention, the appropriate dosage of an antibody may depend on the antibody (or compositions thereof) employed, the type and severity of the secondary symptom, the type and severity of the refractory migraine or other condition to be treated, whether the agent is administered for preventive or therapeutic purposes, previous therapy, the patient's clinical history and response to the agent, and the discretion of the attending physician. Typically, the clinician will administer an antibody, until a dosage is reached that achieves the desired result. Dose and/or frequency can vary over course of treatment.

Empirical considerations, such as the half-life, generally will contribute to the determination of the dosage. For example, antibodies that are compatible with the human immune system, such as humanized antibodies or fully human antibodies, may be used to prolong half-life of the antibody and to prevent the antibody being attacked by the host's immune system. Frequency of administration may be determined and adjusted over the course of therapy, and is generally, but not necessarily, based on treatment and/or suppression and/or amelioration and/or delay of refractory migraine or other condition. Alternatively, sustained continuous release formulations of antibodies may be appropriate. Various formulations and devices for achieving sustained release are known in the art.

In one embodiment, dosages for an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein may be determined empirically in individuals who have been given one or more administration(s) of the antibody. Individuals are given incremental dosages of an antibody. To assess efficacy of an antibody, an indicator of the disease can be followed.

Administration of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) in accordance with the methods of the present invention can be continuous or intermittent, depending, for example, upon the recipient's physiological condition, whether the purpose of the administration is therapeutic or prophylactic, and other factors known to skilled practitioners. The administration of an antibody may be essentially continuous over a preselected period of time or may be in a series of spaced dose, e.g., either before, during, or after developing refractory migraine; before; during; before and after; during and after; before and during; or before, during, and after developing refractory migraine. Administration can be before, during and/or after any event likely to give rise to refractory migraine.

In some embodiments, more than one antibody may be present. At least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five different, or more antibodies can be present. Generally, those antibodies may have complementary activities that do not adversely affect each other. An antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein can also be used in conjunction with other CGRP antagonists or CGRP receptor antagonists. For example, one or more of the following CGRP antagonists may be used: an anti-sense molecule directed to a CGRP (including an anti-sense molecule directed to a nucleic acid encoding CGRP), a CGRP inhibitory compound, a CGRP structural analog, a dominant-negative mutation of a CGRP receptor that binds a CGRP, and an anti-CGRP receptor antibody. An antibody can also be used in conjunction with other agents that serve to enhance and/or complement the effectiveness of the agents.

Diagnosis or assessment of refractory migraine is well-established in the art. Assessment may be performed based on subjective measures, such as patient characterization of symptoms and medical history documenting inadequate response to prior preventative treatments. In some embodiments, assessment of refractory migraine may be via headache hours, as described elsewhere herein. For example, assessment of refractory migraine may be in terms of daily headache hours, weekly headache hours, monthly headache hours and/or yearly headache hours. In some cases, headache hours may be as reported by the subject.

Treatment efficacy can be assessed by methods well-known in the art. For example, pain relief may be assessed. Accordingly, in some embodiments, pain relief is subjectively observed after 1, 2, or a few hours after administering an anti-CGRP antibody. In some embodiments, frequency of refractory migraine attacks is subjectively observed after administering an anti-CGRP antibody.

In some embodiments, a method for preventing, treating, or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine as described herein may reduce incidence of migraine after a single administration of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein for an extended period of time. For example, incidence of migraine may be reduced for at least 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 or more days after a single administration.

In some embodiments, a method for treating or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject as described herein (i.e., having refractory migraine) may reduce the number of headache hours experienced by a subject from a pre-administration level after administration of one or more doses of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein to the subject. For example, daily headache hours experienced by the subject after administering one or more doses of an antibody to the subject may be reduced by 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 headache hours from a pre-administration level in the subject. In some cases, daily headache hours experienced by the subject after administering one or more doses of an antibody to the subject may be reduced by 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or more relative to a pre-administration level in the subject. In another example, weekly headache hours experienced by the subject after administering one or more doses of an antibody to the subject may be reduced by 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or more headache hours from a pre-administration level in the subject. In some cases, weekly headache hours experienced by the subject after administering one or more doses of an antibody to the subject may be reduced by 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or more relative to a pre-administration level in the subject. In another example, monthly headache hours experienced by the subject after administering one or more doses of an antibody to the subject may be reduced by 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, or more headache hours from a pre-administration level. In some cases, monthlyheadache hours experienced by the subject after administering one or more doses of an antibody to the subject may be reduced by 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more relative to a pre-administration level in the subject.

In some embodiments, a method for treating or reducing incidence of migraine in a subject having refractory migraine as described herein may reduce the number of headache days experienced by a subject from a pre-administration level after administration of one or more doses of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein to the subject. For example, weekly headache days experienced by the subject after administering one or more doses of an antibody to the subject may be reduced by 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, or 7 headache days from a pre-administration level in the subject. In some cases, weekly headache days experienced by the subject after administering one or more doses of an antibody to the subject may be reduced by 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more relative to a pre-administration level in the subject. In another example, monthly headache days experienced by the subject after administering one or more doses of an antibody to the subject may be reduced by 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20 or more headache days from a pre-administration level.

In some embodiments, a method may comprise administering to a subject one or more additional agent(s) simultaneously or sequentially with an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody). In some embodiments, an additional agent may be an acute headache medication such as 5-HT1 agonists, triptans, ergot alkaloids, opiates, and NSAIDs) described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, a therapeutic effect may be greater as compared to use of an antibody or one or more additional agent(s) alone. Accordingly, a synergistic effect between an antibody and the one or more additional agents may be achieved.

B. Anti-CGRP Antagonist Antibodies

In some embodiments, the methods of the invention use an antibody, which can be an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. An anti-CGRP antagonist antibody can refer to any antibody molecule that blocks, suppresses or reduces (including significantly) CGRP biological activity, including downstream pathways mediated by CGRP signaling, such as receptor binding and/or elicitation of a cellular response to CGRP.

An anti-CGRP antagonist antibody can exhibit any one or more of the following characteristics: (a) bind to CGRP; (b) block CGRP from binding to its receptor(s); (c) block or decrease CGRP receptor activation (including, but not limited to, cAMP activation); (d) inhibit CGRP biological activity or downstream pathways mediated by CGRP signaling function; (e) prevent, ameliorate, or treat any aspect of refractory migraine; (f) increase clearance of CGRP; and (g) inhibit (reduce) CGRP synthesis, production or release. Anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies are known in the art. See e.g., Tan et al., Clin. Sci. (Lond). 89:565-73, 1995; Sigma (Missouri, US), product number C7113 (clone #4901); Plourde et al., Peptides 14:1225-1229, 1993.

In some embodiments, the antibody reacts with CGRP in a manner that inhibits CGRP, and/or the CGRP pathway, including downstream pathways mediated by the CGRP signaling function. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody recognizes human CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds to both human α-CGRP and β-CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds human and rat CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds the C-terminal fragment having amino acids 25-37 of CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds a C-terminal epitope within amino acids 25-37 of CGRP.

The antibodies useful in the present invention can encompass monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, antibody fragments (e.g., Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv, Fc, etc.), chimeric antibodies, bispecific antibodies, heteroconjugate antibodies, single chain (ScFv), mutants thereof, fusion proteins comprising an antibody portion (e.g., a domain antibody), humanized antibodies, and any other modified configuration of the immunoglobulin molecule that comprises an antigen recognition site of the required specificity, including glycosylation variants of antibodies, amino acid sequence variants of antibodies, and covalently modified antibodies. The antibodies may be murine, rat, human, or any other origin (including chimeric or humanized antibodies).

In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is a monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the antibody is human. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is antibody G1 (as described herein). In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody comprises one or more CDR(s) (such as one, two, three, four, five, or, in some embodiments, all six CDRs) of antibody G1 or variants of G1 shown in Table 6. In still other embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody comprises the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain variable region shown in FIG. 5 (SEQ ID NO:1) and the amino acid sequence of the light chain variable region shown in FIG. 5 (SEQ ID NO:2). In still other embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody comprises a heavy chain full antibody amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:11 and a light chain full antibody amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:12.

In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a light chain variable region (LCVR) and a heavy chain variable region (HCVR) selected from the groups consisting of: (a) LCVR17 (SEQ ID NO:58) and HCVR22 (SEQ ID NO:59); (b) LCVR18 (SEQ ID NO:60) and HCVR23 (SEQ ID NO:61); (c) LCVR19 (SEQ ID NO:62) and HCVR24 (SEQ ID NO:63); (d) LCVR20 (SEQ ID NO:64) and HCVR25 (SEQ ID NO:65); (e) LCVR21 (SEQ ID NO:66) and HCVR26 (SEQ ID NO:67); (f) LCVR27 (SEQ ID NO:68) and HCVR28 (SEQ ID NO:69); (g) LCVR29 (SEQ ID NO:70) and HCVR30 (SEQ ID NO:71); (h) LCVR31 (SEQ ID NO:72) and HCVR32 (SEQ ID NO:73); (i) LCVR33 (SEQ ID NO:74) and HCVR34 (SEQ ID NO:75); (j) LCVR35 (SEQ ID NO:76) and HCVR36 (SEQ ID NO:77); and (k) LCVR37 (SEQ ID NO:78) and HCVR38 (SEQ ID NO:79). Sequences of these regions are provided herein. Other examples of anti-CGRP antibodies are described in US20110305711 (SEQ ID NOs:5, 6, 7, 12, 16, 19, 24, 29, 34, and 39), US20120294802, US20120294797 (SEQ ID NOs:51-60), which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. For example, antibodies with any of the following sequences may be used.

Ab6 Variable region Light chain (humanized) protein sequence (US20120294797) (SEQ ID NO: 80) QVLTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTINCQASQSVYHNTYLAWYQQKPGKVPKQLIYDASTLASG VPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCLGSYDCTNGDCFVFGGGTKVEIKR Ab6 Light chain (humanized) Full length protein sequence (US20120294797) (SEQ ID NO: 81) QVLTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTINCQASQSVYHNTYLAWYQQKPGKVPKQLIYDASTLASG VPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCLGSYDCTNGDCFVFGGGTKVEIKRTVA APSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDS KDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC Ab6 Variable region heavy chain (humanized) protein sequence (US20120294797) (SEQ ID NO: 82) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGIDLSGYYMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVGVIGINGAT YYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKTTVYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYFCARGDIWGQGTLVTVSS Ab6 Heavy chain (humanized) Full length protein sequence - yeast produced (US20120294797) (SEQ ID NO: 83) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGIDLSGYYMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVGVIGINGAT YYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKTTVYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYFCARGDIWGQGTLVTVSSAST KGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSS GLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDARVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPR EEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYT LPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYS KLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK Ab6 Variable region Light chain (humanized) protein sequence CDRI (US20120294797) (SEQ ID NO: 84) QASQSVYHNTYLA Ab6 Variable region Light chain (humanized) protein sequence CDR2 (US20120294797) (SEQ ID NO: 85) DASTLAS Ab6 Variable region Light chain (humanized) protein sequence CDR3 (US20120294797) (SEQ ID NO: 86) LGSYDCTNGDCFV Ab6 Variable region heavy chain (humanized) protein sequence CDRI (US20120294797) (SEQ ID NO: 87) GYYMN Ab6 Variable region heavy chain (humanized) protein sequence CDR2 (US20120294797) (SEQ ID NO: 88) IGINGATYYASWAKG Ab6 Variable region heavy chain (humanized) protein sequence CDR3 (US20120294797) (SEQ ID NO: 89) GDI Light chain variable region protein sequence CDR3 (US20110305711) (SEQ ID NO: 90) QQGDALPPT Light chain variable region protein sequence CDR1 (US20110305711) (SEQ ID NO: 91) RASKDISKYL Light chain variable region protein sequence CDR2 (US20110305711) (SEQ ID NO: 92) YTSGYSH Heavy chain variable region protein sequence CDR1 (US20110305711) (SEQ ID NO: 93) GYTFGNYWMQ Heavy chain variable region protein sequence CDR2 (US20110305711) (SEQ ID NO: 94) AIYEGTGKTVYIQKFAD Heavy chain variable region protein sequence CDR3 (US20110305711) (SEQ ID NO: 95) LSDYVSGFGY Light chain variable region protein sequence (US20110305711) (SEQ ID NO: 96) DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASKDISKYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSGYHSGVP SRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQGDALPPTFGGGTKVEIK Heavy chain variable region protein sequence (US20110305711) (SEQ ID NO: 97) QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGSSVKVSCKASGYTFGNYWMQWVRQAPGQGLEWMGAIYEGT GKTVYIQKFADRVTITADKSTSTAYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARLSDYVSGFGYWGQGT TVTVSS Light chain protein sequence (US20110305711) (SEQ ID NO: 98) DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASKDISKYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSGYHSGVP SRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQGDALPPTFGGGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIF PPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSL SSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC Heavy chain protein sequence (US20110305711) (SEQ ID NO: 99) QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGSSVKVSCKASGYTFGNYWMQWVRQAPGQGLEWMGAIYEGT GKTVYIQKFADRVTITADKSTSTAYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARLSDYVSGFGYWGQGT TVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHT FPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTKTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKRVESKYGPPCPPCP APEAAGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSQEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNA KTKPREEQFNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPSSIEKTISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPSQEEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDG SFFLYSRLTVDKSRWQEGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSLG

In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a modified constant region, such as a constant region that is immunologically inert described herein. In some embodiments, the constant region is modified as described in Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624; PCT Application No. PCT/GB99/01441; and/or UK Patent Application No. 9809951.8. In other embodiments, the antibody comprises a human heavy chain IgG2 constant region comprising the following mutations: A330P331 to S330S331 (amino acid numbering with reference to the wildtype IgG2 sequence). Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624. In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a constant region of IgG4 comprising the following mutations: E233F234L235 to P233V234A235. In still other embodiments, the constant region is aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation. In some embodiments, the constant region is aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation by mutating the oligosaccharide attachment residue (such as Asn297) and/or flanking residues that are part of the N-glycosylation recognition sequence in the constant region. In some embodiments, the constant region is aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation. The constant region may be aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation enzymatically or by expression in a glycosylation deficient host cell.

The binding affinity (K_(D)) of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody to CGRP (such as human α-CGRP) can be about 0.02 to about 200 nM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is any of about 200 nM, about 100 nM, about 50 nM, about 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about 100 pM, about 60 pM, about 50 pM, about 20 pM, about 15 pM, about 10 pM, about 5 pM, or about 2 pM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is less than any of about 250 nM, about 200 nM, about 100 nM, about 50 nM, about 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about 100 pM, or about 50 pM.

One way of determining binding affinity of antibodies to CGRP is by measuring binding affinity of monofunctional Fab fragments of the antibody. To obtain monofunctional Fab fragments, an antibody (for example, IgG) can be cleaved with papain or expressed recombinantly. The affinity of an anti-CGRP Fab fragment of an antibody can be determined by surface plasmon resonance (Biacore3000™ surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system, Biacore, INC, Piscataway N.J.) equipped with pre-immobilized streptavidin sensor chips (SA) using HBS-EP running buffer (0.01M HEPES, pH 7.4, 0.15 NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.005% v/v Surfactant P20). Biotinylated human CGRP (or any other CGRP) can be diluted into HBS-EP buffer to a concentration of less than 0.5 pg/mL and injected across the individual chip channels using variable contact times, to achieve two ranges of antigen density, either 50-200 response units (RU) for detailed kinetic studies or 800-1,000 RU for screening assays. Regeneration studies have shown that 25 mM NaOH in 25% v/v ethanol effectively removes the bound Fab while keeping the activity of CGRP on the chip for over 200 injections. Typically, serial dilutions (spanning concentrations of 0.1-10× estimated K_(D)) of purified Fab samples are injected for 1 min at 100 μL/minute and dissociation times of up to 2 hours are allowed. The concentrations of the Fab proteins are determined by ELISA and/or SDS-PAGE electrophoresis using a Fab of known concentration (as determined by amino acid analysis) as a standard. Kinetic association rates (k_(on)) and dissociation rates (k_(off)) are obtained simultaneously by fitting the data globally to a 1:1 Langmuir binding model (Karlsson, R. Roos, H. Fagerstam, L. Petersson, B. (1994). Methods Enzymology 6. 99-110) using the BIAevaluation program. Equilibrium dissociation constant (K_(D)) values are calculated as k_(off)/k_(on). This protocol is suitable for use in determining binding affinity of an antibody to any CGRP, including human CGRP, CGRP of another mammalian (such as mouse CGRP, rat CGRP, primate CGRP), as well as different forms of CGRP (such as a and β form). Binding affinity of an antibody is generally measured at 25° C., but can also be measured at 37° C.

Antibodies, including anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies, may be made by any method known in the art. The route and schedule of immunization of the host animal are generally in keeping with established and conventional techniques for antibody stimulation and production, as further described herein. General techniques for production of human and mouse antibodies are known in the art and are described herein.

It is contemplated that any mammalian subject including humans or antibody producing cells therefrom can be manipulated to serve as the basis for production of mammalian, including human, hybridoma cell lines. Typically, the host animal is inoculated intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, orally, subcutaneously, intraplantar, and/or intradermally with an amount of immunogen, including as described herein.

Antibodies (e.g., anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies) and polypeptides derived from antibodies can be identified or characterized using methods known in the art, whereby reduction, amelioration, or neutralization of a CGRP biological activity is detected and/or measured. For example, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody can also be identified by incubating a candidate agent with CGRP and monitoring any one or more of the following characteristics: (a) bind to CGRP; (b) block CGRP from binding to its receptor(s); (c) block or decrease CGRP receptor activation (including cAMP activation); (d) inhibit CGRP biological activity or downstream pathways mediated by CGRP signaling function; (e) prevent, ameliorate, or treat any aspect of refractory migraine; (f) increase clearance of CGRP; and (g) inhibit (reduce) CGRP synthesis, production or release. In some embodiments, an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody or polypeptide is identified by incubating a candidate agent with CGRP and monitoring binding and/or attendant reduction or neutralization of a biological activity of CGRP. The binding assay may be performed with purified CGRP polypeptide(s), or with cells naturally expressing, or transfected to express, CGRP polypeptide(s). In one embodiment, the binding assay is a competitive binding assay, where the ability of a candidate antibody to compete with a known anti-CGRP antagonist for CGRP binding is evaluated. The assay may be performed in various formats, including the ELISA format. In other embodiments, an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is identified by incubating a candidate agent with CGRP and monitoring binding and attendant inhibition of CGRP receptor activation expressed on the surface of a cell. In some embodiments, an anti-CGRP receptor antibody can be used in any of the methods described herein. For example, anti-CGRP receptor antibodies, as described in US20100172895 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,102,731, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, may be used. Therefore, antibodies with any of the following sequences may be used.

Light chain variable region protein sequence CDR1 (U.S. Patent No. 9,102,731) (SEQ ID NO: 100) SGSSSNIGNNYVS Light chain variable region protein sequence CDR2 (U.S. Patent No. 9,102,731) (SEQ ID NO: 101) DNNKRPS Light chain variable region protein sequence CDR3 (U.S. Patent No. 9,102,731) (SEQ ID NO: 102) GTWDSRLSAVV Heavy chain variable region protein sequence CDR1 (U.S. Patent No. 9,102,731) (SEQ ID NO: 103) SFGMH Heavy chain variable region protein sequence CDR2 (U.S. Patent No. 9,102,731) (SEQ ID NO: 104) VISFDGSIKYSVDSVKG Heavy chain variable region protein sequence CDR3 (U.S. Patent No. 9,102,731) (SEQ ID NO: 105) DRLNYYDSSGYYHYKYYGMAV Light chain variable region protein sequence (U.S. Patent No. 9,102,731) (SEQ ID NO: 106) QSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQKVTISCSGSSSNIGNNYVSWYQQLPGTAPKLLIY DNNKRPSGIPDRFSGSKSGTSTTLGITGLQTGDEADYYCGTWDSRLSAVV FGGGTKLTVL Heavy chain variable region protein sequence (U.S. Patent No. 9,102,731) (SEQ ID NO: 107) QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSSFGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAV ISFDGSIKYSVDSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLFLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARDR LNYYDSSGYYHYKYYGMAVWGQGTTVTVSS Light chain protein sequence (U.S. Patent No. 9,102,731) (SEQ ID NO: 108) MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQKVTISCSGSSSN IGNNYVSWYQQLPGTAPKLLIYDNNKRPSGIPDRFSGSKSGTSTTLGITG LQTGDEADYYCGTWDSRLSAVVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKANPTVTLFPPSSEE LQANKATLVCLISDFYPGAVTVAWKADGSPVKAGVETTKPSKQSNNKYAA SSYLSLTPEQWKSHRSYSCQVTHEGSTVEKTVAPTECS Heavy chain protein sequence (U.S. Patent No. 9,102,731) (SEQ ID NO: 109) MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFT FSSFGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISFDGSIKYSVDSVKGRFTISRDNSKNT LFLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARDRLNYYDSSGYYHYKYYGMAVWGQGTTVTV SSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTS GVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTV ERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHE DPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEY KCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLV KGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQ GNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK

Following initial identification, the activity of a candidate antibody (e.g., anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) can be further confirmed and refined by bioassays, known to test the targeted biological activities. Alternatively, bioassays can be used to screen candidates directly. Some of the methods for identifying and characterizing anti-CGRP antagonist antibody or polypeptide are described in detail in the Examples.

Antibodies, including anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies, may be characterized using methods well known in the art. For example, one method is to identify the epitope to which it binds, or “epitope mapping.” There are many methods known in the art for mapping and characterizing the location of epitopes on proteins, including solving the crystal structure of an antibody-antigen complex, competition assays, gene fragment expression assays, and synthetic peptide-based assays, as described, for example, in Chapter 11 of Harlow and Lane, Using Antibodies, a Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1999.

Yet another method which can be used to characterize an antibody, including an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, is to use competition assays with other antibodies known to bind to the same antigen, i.e., various fragments on CGRP, to determine if the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds to the same epitope as other antibodies. Competition assays are well known to those of skill in the art.

C. Antibody G1 and Related Antibodies, Polypeptides, Polynucleotides, Vectors and Host Cells

This invention encompasses compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising antibody G1 and its variants shown in Table 6 or polypeptide derived from antibody G1 and its variants shown in Table 6; and polynucleotides comprising sequences encoding G1 and its variants or the polypeptide. In some embodiments, compositions comprise one or more antibodies or polypeptides (which may or may not be an antibody) that bind to CGRP, and/or one or more polynucleotides comprising sequences encoding one or more antibodies or polypeptides that bind to CGRP. These compositions may further comprise suitable excipients, such as pharmaceutically acceptable excipients including buffers, which are well known in the art.

In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies and polypeptides of the invention are characterized by any (one or more) of the following characteristics: (a) bind to CGRP; (b) block CGRP from binding to its receptor(s); (c) block or decrease CGRP receptor activation (including cAMP activation); (d) inhibit CGRP biological activity or downstream pathways mediated by CGRP signaling function; (e) prevent, ameliorate, or treat any aspect of refractory migraine; (f) increase clearance of CGRP; and (g) inhibit (reduce) CGRP synthesis, production or release.

In some embodiments, the invention provides any of the following, or compositions (including pharmaceutical compositions) comprising any of the following: (a) antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (b) a fragment or a region of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (c) a light chain of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (d) a heavy chain of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (e) one or more variable region(s) from a light chain and/or a heavy chain of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (f) one or more CDR(s) (one, two, three, four, five or six CDRs) of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (g) CDR H3 from the heavy chain of antibody G1; (h) CDR L3 from the light chain of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (i) three CDRs from the light chain of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (j) three CDRs from the heavy chain of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (k) three CDRs from the light chain and three CDRs from the heavy chain, of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; and (l) an antibody comprising any one of (b) through (k). In some embodiments, the invention also provides polypeptides comprising any one or more of the above.

The CDR portions of antibody G1 (including Chothia and Kabat CDRs) are diagrammatically depicted in FIG. 5. Determination of CDR regions is well within the skill of the art. It is understood that in some embodiments, CDRs can be a combination of the Kabat and Chothia CDR (also termed “combined CDRs” or “extended CDRs”). In some embodiments, the CDRs are the Kabat CDRs. In other embodiments, the CDRs are the Chothia CDRs. In other words, in embodiments with more than one CDR, the CDRs may be any of Kabat, Chothia, combination CDRs, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a polypeptide (which may or may not be an antibody) which comprises at least one CDR, at least two, at least three, or at least four, at least five, or all six CDRs that are substantially identical to at least one CDR, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five or all six CDRs of G1 or its variants shown in Table 6. Other embodiments include antibodies which have at least two, three, four, five, or six CDR(s) that are substantially identical to at least two, three, four, five or six CDRs of G1 or derived from G1. In some embodiments, the at least one, two, three, four, five, or six CDR(s) are at least about 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to at least one, two, three, four, five or six CDRs of G1 or its variants shown in Table 6. It is understood that, for purposes of this invention, binding specificity and/or overall activity is generally retained, although the extent of activity may vary compared to G1 or its variants shown in Table 6 (may be greater or lesser).

In some embodiments, the invention also provides a polypeptide (which may or may not be an antibody) which comprises an amino acid sequence of G1 or its variants shown in Table 6 that has any of the following: at least 5 contiguous amino acids, at least 8 contiguous amino acids, at least about 10 contiguous amino acids, at least about 15 contiguous amino acids, at least about 20 contiguous amino acids, at least about 25 contiguous amino acids, at least about 30 contiguous amino acids of a sequence of G1 or its variants shown in Table 6, wherein at least 3 of the amino acids are from a variable region of G1 (FIG. 5) or its variants shown in Table 6. In one embodiment, the variable region is from a light chain of G1. In another embodiment, the variable region is from a heavy chain of G1. An exemplary polypeptide has contiguous amino acid (lengths described above) from both the heavy and light chain variable regions of G1. In another embodiment, the 5 (or more) contiguous amino acids are from a complementarity determining region (CDR) of G1 shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the contiguous amino acids are from a variable region of G1.

The binding affinity (K_(D)) of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody and polypeptide to CGRP (such as human α-CGRP) can be about 0.06 to about 200 nM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is any of about 200 nM, 100 nM, about 50 nM, about 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about 100 pM, about 60 pM, about 50 pM, about 20 pM, about 15 pM, about 10 pM, about 5 pM, or about 2 pM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is less than any of about 250 nM, about 200 nM, about 100 nM, about 50 nM, about 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about 100 pM, or about 50 pM.

The antibodies provided herein can be made by procedures known in the art. The polypeptides can be produced by proteolytic or other degradation of the antibodies, by recombinant methods (i.e., single or fusion polypeptides) as described above or by chemical synthesis. Polypeptides of the antibodies, especially shorter polypeptides up to about 50 amino acids, are conveniently made by chemical synthesis. Methods of chemical synthesis are known in the art and are commercially available. For example, an antibody could be produced by an automated polypeptide synthesizer employing the solid phase method. See also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,807,715; 4,816,567; and 6,331,415.

In another alternative, the antibodies can be made recombinantly using procedures that are well known in the art. In one embodiment, a polynucleotide comprises a sequence encoding the heavy chain and/or the light chain variable regions of antibody G1 shown in SEQ ID NO:9 and SEQ ID NO:10. In another embodiment, the polynucleotide comprising the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:9 and SEQ ID NO:10 are cloned into one or more vectors for expression or propagation. The sequence encoding the antibody of interest may be maintained in a vector in a host cell and the host cell can then be expanded and frozen for future use. Vectors (including expression vectors) and host cells are further described herein.

In some embodiments, the invention also encompasses single chain variable region fragments (“scFv”) of antibodies of this invention, such as G1. Single chain variable region fragments are made by linking light and/or heavy chain variable regions by using a short linking peptide. Bird et al. (1988) Science 242:423-426. An example of a linking peptide is (GGGGS)3 (SEQ ID NO:57) which bridges approximately 3.5 nm between the carboxy terminus of one variable region and the amino terminus of the other variable region. Linkers of other sequences have been designed and used. Bird et al. (1988). Linkers can in turn be modified for additional functions, such as attachment of drugs or attachment to solid supports. The single chain variants can be produced either recombinantly or synthetically. For synthetic production of scFv, an automated synthesizer can be used. For recombinant production of scFv, a suitable plasmid containing polynucleotide that encodes the scFv can be introduced into a suitable host cell, either eukaryotic, such as yeast, plant, insect or mammalian cells, or prokaryotic, such as E. coli. Polynucleotides encoding the scFv of interest can be made by routine manipulations such as ligation of polynucleotides. The resultant scFv can be isolated using standard protein purification techniques known in the art.

Other forms of single chain antibodies, such as diabodies are also encompassed. Diabodies are bivalent, bispecific antibodies in which VH and VL domains are expressed on a single polypeptide chain, but using a linker that is too short to allow for pairing between the two domains on the same chain, thereby forcing the domains to pair with complementary domains of another chain and creating two antigen binding sites (see e.g., Holliger, P., et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad Sci. USA 90:6444-6448; Poljak, R. J., et al. (1994) Structure 2:1121-1123).

For example, bispecific antibodies, monoclonal antibodies that have binding specificities for at least two different antigens, can be prepared using the antibodies disclosed herein. Methods for making bispecific antibodies are known in the art (see, e.g., Suresh et al., 1986, Methods in Enzymology 121:210). Traditionally, the recombinant production of bispecific antibodies was based on the coexpression of two immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pairs, with the two heavy chains having different specificities (Millstein and Cuello, 1983, Nature 305, 537-539).

According to one approach to making bispecific antibodies, antibody variable domains with the desired binding specificities (antibody-antigen combining sites) are fused to immunoglobulin constant domain sequences. The fusion preferably is with an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant domain, comprising at least part of the hinge, CH2 and CH3 regions. It is preferred to have the first heavy chain constant region (CH1), containing the site necessary for light chain binding, present in at least one of the fusions. DNAs encoding the immunoglobulin heavy chain fusions and, if desired, the immunoglobulin light chain, are inserted into separate expression vectors, and are cotransfected into a suitable host organism. This provides for great flexibility in adjusting the mutual proportions of the three polypeptide fragments in embodiments when unequal ratios of the three polypeptide chains used in the construction provide the optimum yields. It is, however, possible to insert the coding sequences for two or all three polypeptide chains in one expression vector when the expression of at least two polypeptide chains in equal ratios results in high yields or when the ratios are of no particular significance.

In one approach, the bispecific antibodies are composed of a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy chain with a first binding specificity in one arm, and a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pair (providing a second binding specificity) in the other arm. This asymmetric structure, with an immunoglobulin light chain in only one half of the bispecific molecule, facilitates the separation of the desired bispecific compound from unwanted immunoglobulin chain combinations. This approach is described in PCT Publication No. WO 94/04690.

Heteroconjugate antibodies, comprising two covalently joined antibodies, are also within the scope of the invention. Such antibodies have been used to target immune system cells to unwanted cells (U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980), and for treatment of HIV infection (PCT application publication Nos. WO 91/00360 and WO 92/200373; EP 03089). Heteroconjugate antibodies may be made using any convenient cross-linking methods. Suitable cross-linking agents and techniques are well known in the art, and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980.

Chimeric or hybrid antibodies also may be prepared in vitro using known methods of synthetic protein chemistry, including those involving cross-linking agents. For example, immunotoxins may be constructed using a disulfide exchange reaction or by forming a thioether bond. Examples of suitable reagents for this purpose include iminothiolate and methyl-4-mercaptobutyrimidate.

Humanized antibody comprising one or more CDRs of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6, or one or more CDRs derived from antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6 can be made using any methods known in the art. For example, four general steps may be used to humanize a monoclonal antibody.

In some embodiments, the invention encompasses modifications to antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6, including functionally equivalent antibodies which do not significantly affect their properties and variants which have enhanced or decreased activity and/or affinity. For example, the amino acid sequence of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6 may be mutated to obtain an antibody with the desired binding affinity to CGRP. Modification of polypeptides is routine practice in the art and need not be described in detail herein. Modification of polypeptides is exemplified in the Examples. Examples of modified polypeptides include polypeptides with conservative substitutions of amino acid residues, one or more deletions or additions of amino acids which do not significantly deleteriously change the functional activity, or use of chemical analogs.

Amino acid sequence insertions include amino- and/or carboxyl-terminal fusions ranging in length from one residue to polypeptides containing a hundred or more residues, as well as intrasequence insertions of single or multiple amino acid residues. Examples of terminal insertions include an antibody with an N-terminal methionyl residue or the antibody fused to an epitope tag. Other insertional variants of the antibody molecule include the fusion to the N- or C-terminus of the antibody of an enzyme or a polypeptide which increases the serum half-life of the antibody.

Substitution variants have at least one amino acid residue in the antibody molecule removed and a different residue inserted in its place. The sites of greatest interest for substitutional mutagenesis include the hypervariable regions, but FR alterations are also contemplated. Conservative substitutions are shown in Table 1 under the heading of “conservative substitutions”. If such substitutions result in a change in biological activity, then more substantial changes, denominated “exemplary substitutions” in Table 1, or as further described below in reference to amino acid classes, may be introduced and the products screened.

TABLE 1 Amino Acid Substitutions Original Residue Conservative Substitutions Exemplary Substitutions Ala (A) Val Val; Leu; Ile Arg (R) Lys Lys; Gln; Asn Asn (N) Gln Gln; His; Asp, Lys; Arg Asp (D) Glu Glu; Asn Cys (C) Ser Ser; Ala Gln (Q) Asn Asn; Glu Glu (E) Asp Asp; Gln Gly (G) Ala Ala His (H) Arg Asn; Gln; Lys; Arg Ile (I) Leu Leu; Val; Met; Ala; Phe; Norleucine Leu (L) Ile Norleucine; Ile; Val; Met; Ala; Phe Lys (K) Arg Arg; Gln; Asn Met (M) Leu Leu; Phe; Ile Phe (F) Tyr Leu; Val; Ile; Ala; Tyr Pro (P) Ala Ala Ser (S) Thr Thr Thr (T) Ser Ser Trp (VV) Tyr Tyr; Phe Tyr (Y) Phe Trp; Phe; Thr; Ser Val (V) Leu Ile; Leu; Met; Phe; Ala; Norleucine

Substantial modifications in the biological properties of the antibody are accomplished by selecting substitutions that differ significantly in their effect on maintaining (a) the structure of the polypeptide backbone in the area of the substitution, for example, as a sheet or helical conformation, (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the target site, or (c) the bulk of the side chain. Naturally occurring residues are divided into groups based on common side-chain properties:

-   -   (1) Non-polar: Norleucine, Met, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile;     -   (2) Polar without charge: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, Gin;     -   (3) Acidic (negatively charged): Asp, Glu;     -   (4) Basic (positively charged): Lys, Arg;     -   (5) Residues that influence chain orientation: Gly, Pro; and     -   (6) Aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe, His.

Non-conservative substitutions are made by exchanging a member of one of these classes for another class.

Any cysteine residue not involved in maintaining the proper conformation of the antibody also may be substituted, generally with serine, to improve the oxidative stability of the molecule and prevent aberrant cross-linking. Conversely, cysteine bond(s) may be added to the antibody to improve its stability, particularly where the antibody is an antibody fragment such as an Fv fragment.

Amino acid modifications can range from changing or modifying one or more amino acids to complete redesign of a region, such as the variable region. Changes in the variable region can alter binding affinity and/or specificity. In some embodiments, no more than one to five conservative amino acid substitutions are made within a CDR domain. In other embodiments, no more than one to three conservative amino acid substitutions are made within a CDR domain. In still other embodiments, the CDR domain is CDR H3 and/or CDR L3.

Modifications also include glycosylated and nonglycosylated polypeptides, as well as polypeptides with other post-translational modifications, such as, for example, glycosylation with different sugars, acetylation, and phosphorylation. Antibodies are glycosylated at conserved positions in their constant regions (Jefferis and Lund, 1997, Chem. Immunol. 65:111-128; Wright and Morrison, 1997, TibTECH 15:26-32). The oligosaccharide side chains of the immunoglobulins affect the protein's function (Boyd et al., 1996, Mol. Immunol. 32:1311-1318; Wittwe and Howard, 1990, Biochem. 29:4175-4180) and the intramolecular interaction between portions of the glycoprotein, which can affect the conformation and presented three-dimensional surface of the glycoprotein (Hefferis and Lund, supra; Wyss and Wagner, 1996, Current Opin. Biotech. 7:409-416). Oligosaccharides may also serve to target a given glycoprotein to certain molecules based upon specific recognition structures. Glycosylation of antibodies has also been reported to affect antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). In particular, CHO cells with tetracycline-regulated expression of β(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnTIII), a glycosyltransferase catalyzing formation of bisecting GlcNAc, was reported to have improved ADCC activity (Umana et al., 1999, Mature Biotech. 17:176-180).

Glycosylation of antibodies is typically either N-linked or O-linked. N-linked refers to the attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the side chain of an asparagine residue. The tripeptide sequences asparagine-X-serine, asparagine-X-threonine, and asparagine-X-cysteine, where X is any amino acid except proline, are the recognition sequences for enzymatic attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the asparagine side chain. Thus, the presence of either of these tripeptide sequences in a polypeptide creates a potential glycosylation site. O-linked glycosylation refers to the attachment of one of the sugars N-acetylgalactosamine, galactose, or xylose to a hydroxyamino acid, most commonly serine or threonine, although 5-hydroxyproline or 5-hydroxylysine may also be used.

Addition of glycosylation sites to the antibody is conveniently accomplished by altering the amino acid sequence such that it contains one or more of the above-described tripeptide sequences (for N-linked glycosylation sites). The alteration may also be made by the addition of, or substitution by, one or more serine or threonine residues to the sequence of the original antibody (for O-linked glycosylation sites).

Other methods of modification include using coupling techniques known in the art, including, but not limited to, enzymatic means, oxidative substitution and chelation. Modifications can be used, for example, for attachment of labels for immunoassay. Modified G1 polypeptides can be made using established procedures in the art and can be screened using standard assays known in the art, some of which are described below and in the Examples.

In some embodiments of the invention, the antibody comprises a modified constant region, such as a constant region that is immunologically inert or partially inert, e.g., does not trigger complement mediated lysis, does not stimulate antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or does not activate microglia; or have reduced activities (compared to the unmodified antibody) in any one or more of the following: triggering complement mediated lysis, stimulating antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or activating microglia. Different modifications of the constant region may be used to achieve optimal level and/or combination of effector functions. See, for example, Morgan et al., Immunology 86:319-324 (1995); Lund et al., J. Immunology 157:4963-9 157:4963-4969 (1996); Idusogie et al., J. Immunology 164:4178-4184 (2000); Tao et al., J. Immunology 143: 2595-2601 (1989); and Jefferis et al., Immunological Reviews 163:59-76 (1998). In some embodiments, the constant region is modified as described in Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624; PCT Application No. PCT/GB99/01441; and/or UK Patent Application No. 9809951.8. In other embodiments, the antibody comprises a human heavy chain IgG2 constant region comprising the following mutations: A330P331 to S330S331 (amino acid numbering with reference to the wildtype IgG2 sequence). Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624. In still other embodiments, the constant region is aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation. In some embodiments, the constant region is aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation by mutating the glycosylated amino acid residue or flanking residues that are part of the N-glycosylation recognition sequence in the constant region. For example, N-glycosylation site N297 may be mutated to A, Q, K, or H. See, Tao et al., J. Immunology 143: 2595-2601 (1989); and Jefferis et al., Immunological Reviews 163:59-76 (1998). In some embodiments, the constant region is aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation. The constant region may be aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation enzymatically (such as removing carbohydrate by enzyme PNGase), or by expression in a glycosylation deficient host cell.

Other antibody modifications include antibodies that have been modified as described in PCT Publication No. WO 99/58572, published Nov. 18, 1999. These antibodies comprise, in addition to a binding domain directed at the target molecule, an effector domain having an amino acid sequence substantially homologous to all or part of a constant domain of a human immunoglobulin heavy chain. These antibodies are capable of binding the target molecule without triggering significant complement dependent lysis, or cell-mediated destruction of the target. In some embodiments, the effector domain is capable of specifically binding FcRn and/or FcγRIIb. These are typically based on chimeric domains derived from two or more human immunoglobulin heavy chain C_(H)2 domains. Antibodies modified in this manner are particularly suitable for use in chronic antibody therapy, to avoid inflammatory and other adverse reactions to conventional antibody therapy.

In some embodiments, the invention includes affinity matured embodiments. For example, affinity matured antibodies can be produced by procedures known in the art (Marks et al., 1992, Bio/Technology, 10:779-783; Barbas et al., 1994, Proc Nat. Acad. Sci, USA 91:3809-3813; Schier et al., 1995, Gene, 169:147-155; Yelton et al., 1995, J. Immunol., 155:1994-2004; Jackson et al., 1995, J. Immunol., 154(7):3310-9; Hawkins et al, 1992, J. Mol. Biol., 226:889-896; and WO2004/058184).

In some embodiments, the invention also encompasses fusion proteins comprising one or more fragments or regions from the antibodies (such as G1) or polypeptides of this invention. In one embodiment, a fusion polypeptide is provided that comprises at least 10 contiguous amino acids of the variable light chain region shown in SEQ ID NO:2 (FIG. 5) and/or at least 10 amino acids of the variable heavy chain region shown in SEQ ID NO:1 (FIG. 5). In other embodiments, a fusion polypeptide is provided that comprises at least about 10, at least about 15, at least about 20, at least about 25, or at least about 30 contiguous amino acids of the variable light chain region shown in SEQ ID NO:2 (FIG. 5) and/or at least about 10, at least about 15, at least about 20, at least about 25, or at least about 30 contiguous amino acids of the variable heavy chain region shown in SEQ ID NO:1 (FIG. 5). In another embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises a light chain variable region and/or a heavy chain variable region of G1, as shown in SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:1 of FIG. 5. In another embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises one or more CDR(s) of G1. In still other embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises CDR H3 and/or CDR L3 of antibody G1. For purposes of this invention, an G1 fusion protein contains one or more G1 antibodies and another amino acid sequence to which it is not attached in the native molecule, for example, a heterologous sequence or a homologous sequence from another region. Exemplary heterologous sequences include, but are not limited to a “tag” such as a FLAG tag or a 6His tag (SEQ ID NO:56). Tags are well known in the art.

In some embodiments, the invention also provides compositions (including pharmaceutical compositions) and kits comprising antibody G1, and/or any or all of the antibodies or polypeptides described herein.

Preferably, the “percentage of sequence identity” is determined by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over a window of comparison of at least 20 positions, wherein the portion of the polynucleotide or polypeptide sequence in the comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e., gaps) of 20 percent or less, usually 5 to 15 percent, or 10 to 12 percent, as compared to the reference sequences (which does not comprise additions or deletions) for optimal alignment of the two sequences. The percentage is calculated by determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid bases or amino acid residue occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the reference sequence (i.e., the window size) and multiplying the results by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity.

Variants may also, or alternatively, be substantially homologous to a native gene, or a portion or complement thereof. Such polynucleotide variants are capable of hybridizing under moderately stringent conditions to a naturally occurring DNA sequence encoding a native antibody (or a complementary sequence).

D. Compositions

In some embodiments, compositions used in a method of the invention comprise an effective amount of an antibody (e.g., anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway) or an antibody derived polypeptide described herein. Examples of such compositions, as well as how to formulate, are also described in an earlier section and below. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises a CGRP antagonist. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more monoclonal antibodies that modulate the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody recognizes human CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody comprises a constant region that does not trigger an unwanted or undesirable immune response, such as antibody-mediated lysis or ADCC. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody comprises one or more CDR(s) of antibody G1 (such as one, two, three, four, five, or, in some embodiments, all six CDRs from G1). In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is human.

It is understood that the compositions can comprise more than one antibody (e.g., more than one anti-CGRP antagonist antibody—a mixture of anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies that recognize different epitopes of CGRP). Other exemplary compositions comprise more than one anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies that recognize the same epitope(s), or different species of anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies that bind to different epitopes of CGRP.

A composition can further comprise pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers (Remington: The Science and practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. (2000) Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Ed. K. E. Hoover). Acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed. A therapeutic formulation of an antibody may comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients or stabilizes with non-limiting examples of such species that include buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; salts such as sodium chloride; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine; preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens, such as methyl or propyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids (e.g., at concentrations of 0.1 mM to 100 mM, 0.1 mM to 1 mM, 0.01 mM to 50 mM, 1 mM to 50 mM, 1 mM to 30 mM, 1 mM to 20 mM, 10 mM to 25 mM) such as glycine, glutamine, methionine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents (e.g., at concentrations of 0.001 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL to 0.1 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL to 0.01 mg/mL) such as EDTA (e.g., disodium EDTA dihydrate); sugars (e.g., at concentrations of 1 mg/mL to 500 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL to 200 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL to 150 mg/mL) such as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol; salt-forming counter-ions such as sodium; metal complexes (e.g., Zn-protein complexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants (e.g., at concentrations of 0.01 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mL to 0.5 mg/mL) such as TWEEN™ (e.g., polysorbate (e.g., polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80)), PLURONICS™ or polyethylene glycol (PEG). Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are further described herein.

An antibody (e.g., an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) and compositions thereof can also be used in conjunction with other agents that serve to enhance and/or complement the effectiveness of the agents.

E. Kits

In one aspect, the invention also provides kits for use in the instant methods. Kits can include one or more containers comprising an antibody described herein (e.g., an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody (such as a humanized antibody)) or polypeptide described herein and instructions for use in accordance with any of the methods described herein. Generally, these instructions comprise a description of administration of the antibody to treat, ameliorate or prevent refractory migraine according to any of the methods described herein. The kit may further comprise a description of selecting an individual suitable for treatment based on identifying whether that individual has refractory migraine or whether the individual is at risk of having refractory migraine. In still other embodiments, the instructions comprise a description of administering an antibody (e.g., anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) to an individual at risk of having refractory migraine.

In some embodiments, the antibody is a humanized antibody. In some embodiments, the antibody is human. In other embodiments, the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the antibody comprises one or more CDR(s) of antibody G1 (such as one, two, three, four, five, or, in some embodiments, all six CDRs from G1).

The instructions relating to the use of an antibody (e.g., anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) generally include information as to dosage, dosing schedule, and route of administration for the intended treatment. The containers may be unit doses, bulk packages (e.g., multi-dose packages) or sub-unit doses. Instructions supplied in the kits are typically written instructions on a label or package insert (e.g., a paper sheet included in the kit), but machine-readable instructions (e.g., instructions carried on a magnetic or optical storage disk) are also acceptable.

The label or package insert indicates that the composition is used for treating, ameliorating and/or preventing migraine in a subject having refractory migraine. Instructions may be provided for practicing any of the methods described herein.

The kits of this invention are in suitable packaging. Suitable packaging includes, but is not limited to, vials, bottles, jars, flexible packaging (e.g., sealed Mylar or plastic bags), and the like. Also contemplated are packages for use in combination with a specific device, such as an inhaler, nasal administration device (e.g., an atomizer) or an infusion device such as a minipump. A kit may have a sterile access port (for example the container may be an intravenous solution bag or a vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle). The container may also have a sterile access port (for example the container may be an intravenous solution bag or a vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle). At least one active agent in the composition is an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody and/or a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway. The container may further comprise a second pharmaceutically active agent.

Kits may optionally provide additional components such as buffers and interpretive information. Normally, the kit comprises a container and a label or package insert(s) on or associated with the container.

Further aspects and embodiments of the present invention are set out in the following numbered paragraphs:

1. A method of treating a refractory migraine in a subject, the method comprising:

selecting a subject who does not respond favorably to a migraine treatment selected from the group consisting of topiramate, carbamazepine, divalproex sodium, sodium valproate, flunarizine, pizotifen, am itriptyline, venlafaxine, nortriptyline, duloxetine, atenolol, nadolol, metoprolol, propranolol, timolol, and onabotulinumtoxinA; and

administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a monoclonal antibody that modulates the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway.

2. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the subject does not respond favorably to the migraine treatment after about three months and/or develops adverse side effects.

3. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered to the subject intravenously or subcutaneously.

4. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered at a dose of about 675 mg.

5. The method of paragraph 4, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered at a dose of about 225 mg in three separate injections.

6. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered at a dose of about 675 mg followed by subsequent doses of about 225 mg at one month intervals.

7. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered at a dose of about 675 mg followed by five subsequent doses of about 225 mg at one month intervals.

8. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the administering comprises administering the antibody to the subject from a pre-filled syringe, pre-filled syringe with a needle safety device, injection pen, or auto-injector comprising a dose of the monoclonal antibody.

9. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered as a formulation comprising the antibody at a concentration of at least about 150 mg/mL.

10. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered in a volume of less than 2 mL.

11. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody is an anti CGRP antagonist antibody.

12. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody is human or humanized.

13. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody is a humanized anti-CGRP antagonist antibody.

14. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody comprises a CDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7; and a CDR L3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8.

15. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody is an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 antibody.

16. The method of paragraph 1, wherein the subject is human.

17. The method of paragraph 1, comprising administering to the subject a second agent simultaneously or sequentially with the monoclonal antibody.

18. The method of paragraph 17, wherein monthly use of the second agent by the subject is decreased by at least 15% after administering the monoclonal antibody.

19. A composition for use in accordance with any of the preceding paragraphs.

The following Examples are provided to illustrate but not limit the invention. It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be so incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Generation and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies Directed Against CGRP

Generation of anti-CGRP antibodies. To generate anti-CGRP antibodies that have cross-species reactivity for rat and human CGRP, mice were immunized with 25-100 μg of human α-CGRP or β-CGRP conjugated to KLH in adjuvant (50 μl per footpad, 100 μl total per mouse) at various intervals. Immunization was generally performed as described in Geerligs H J et al., 1989, J. Immunol. Methods 124:95-102; Kenney J S et al., 1989, J. Immunol. Methods 121:157-166; and Wicher K et al., 1989, Int. Arch. Allergy Appl. Immunol. 89:128-135. Mice were first immunized with 50 μg of human α-CGRP or β-CGRP conjugated to KLH in CFA (complete Freund's adjuvant). After 21 days, mice were secondly immunized with 25 μg of human β-CGRP (for mice first immunized with human α-CGRP) or α-CGRP (for mice first immunized with human β-CGRP) conjugated to KLH in IFA (incomplete Freund's adjuvant). Twenty-three days later after the second immunization, third immunization was performed with 25 μg of rat α-CGRP conjugated to KLH in IFA. Ten days later, antibody titers were tested using ELISA. Forth immunization was performed with 25 μg of the peptide (rat α-CGRP-KLH) in IFA 34 days after the third immunization. Final booster was performed with 100 μg soluble peptide (rat α-CGRP) 32 days after the forth immunization.

Splenocytes were obtained from the immunized mouse and fused with NSO myeloma cells at a ratio of 10:1, with polyethylene glycol 1500. The hybrids were plated out into 96-well plates in DMEM containing 20% horse serum and 2-oxaloacetate/pyruvate/insulin (Sigma), and hypoxanthine/aminopterin/thymidine selection was begun. On day 8, 100 μl of DMEM containing 20% horse serum was added to all the wells. Supernatants of the hybrids were screened by using antibody capture immunoassay. Determination of antibody class was done with class-specific second antibodies.

A panel of monoclonal antibody-producing cell lines was selected based on their binding to human and rat CGRP for further characterization. These antibodies and characteristics are shown below in Tables 2 and 3.

Purification and Fab fragment preparation. Monoclonal antibodies selected for further characterization were purified from supernatants of hybridoma cultures using protein A affinity chromatography. The supernatants were equilibrated to pH 8. The supernatants were then loaded to the protein A column MabSelect (Amersham Biosciences #17-5199-02) equilibrated with PBS to pH 8. The column was washed with 5 column volumes of PBS, pH 8. The antibodies were eluted with 50 mM citrate-phosphate buffer, pH 3. The eluted antibodies were neutralized with 1 M Phosphate Buffer, pH 8. The purified antibodies were dialyzed with PBS, pH 7.4. The antibody concentrations were determined by SDS-PAGE, using a murine monoclonal antibody standard curve.

Fabs were prepared by papain proteolysis of the full antibodies using Immunopure Fab kit (Pierce #44885) and purified by flow through protein A chromatography following manufacturer instructions. Concentrations were determined by ELISA and/or SDS-PAGE electrophoresis using a standard Fab of known concentration (determined by amino acid analysis), and by A280 using 1OD=0.6 mg/ml (or theoretical equivalent based on the amino acid sequence).

Affinity determination of the Fabs. Affinities of the anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies were determined at either 25° C. or 37° C. using the BIACORE3000™ surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system (Biacore, INC, Piscataway N.J.) with the manufacture's own running buffer, HBS-EP (10 mM HEPES pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.005% v/v polysorbate P20). Affinity was determined by capturing N-terminally biotinylated CGRP peptides (custom ordered from GenScript Corporation, New Jersey or Global Peptide Services, Colorado) via pre-immobilized streptavidin on SA chip and measuring binding kinetics of antibody Fab titrated across the CGRP surface. Biotinylated CGRP was diluted into HBS-EP and injected over the chip at a concentration of less than 0.001 mg/ml. Using variable flow time across the individual chip channels, two ranges of antigen density were achieved: <50 response units (RU) for detailed kinetic studies and about 800 RU for concentration studies and screening. Two- or three-fold serial dilutions typically at concentrations spanning 1-0.1 nM (aimed at 0.1-10× estimated K_(D)) of purified Fab fragments were injected for 1 minute at 100 μL/min and dissociation times of 10 minutes were allowed. After each binding cycle, surfaces were regenerated with 25 mM NaOH in 25% v/v ethanol, which was tolerated over hundreds of cycles. Kinetic association rate (k_(on)) and dissociation rate (k_(off)) were obtained simultaneously by fitting the data to a 1:1 Langmuir binding model (Karlsson, R. Roos, H. Fagerstam, L. Petersson, B. (1994). Methods Enzymology 6. 99-110) using the BIAevaluation program. Global equilibrium dissociation constants (K_(D)) or “affinities” were calculated from the ratio K_(D)=k_(off)/k_(on). Affinities of the murine Fab fragments are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

Epitope mapping of the murine anti-CGRP antibodies. To determine the epitope that anti-CGRP antibodies bind on human α-CGRP, binding affinities of the Fab fragments to various CGRP fragments were measured as described above by capturing N-terminally biotinylated CGRP fragments amino acids 19-37 and amino acids 25-37 on a SA sensor chip. FIG. 1 shows their binding affinities measured at 25° C. As shown in FIG. 1, all antibodies, except antibody 4901, bind to human α-CGRP fragments 19-37 and 25-37 with affinity similar to their binding affinity to full length human α-CGRP (1-37). Antibody 4901 binds to human α-CGRP fragment 25-37 with six-fold lower affinity than binding to full length human α-CGRP fragment, due mainly to a loss in off-rate. The data indicate that these anti-CGRP antibodies generally bind to the C-terminal end of CGRP.

Alanine scanning was performed to further characterize amino acids in human α-CGRP involved in binding of anti-CGRP antibodies. Different variants of human α-CGRP with single alanine substitutions were generated by peptide synthesis. Their amino acid sequences are shown in Table 4 along with all the other peptides used in the Biacore analysis. Affinities of Fab fragments of the anti-CGRP antibodies to these variants were determined using Biacore as described above. As shown in FIG. 1, all 12 antibodies target a C-terminal epitope, with amino acid F37 being the most crucial residue. Mutation of F37 to alanine significantly lowered the affinity or even completely knocked out binding of the anti-CGRP antibodies to the peptide. The next most important amino acid residue is G33, however, only the high affinity antibodies (7E9, 8B6, 10A8, and 7D11) were affected by alanine replacement at this position. Amino acid residue S34 also plays a significant, but lesser, role in the binding of these four high affinity antibodies.

TABLE 2 Characteristics of the anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies' binding to human α-CGRP and their antagonist activity Cell-based blocking IC₅₀ (nM binding K_(D) to K_(D) to human α-CGRP sites) at 25° C. human human binding to its (room temp.) α-CGRP α-CGRP receptor at 25° C. measured in at 25° C. at 37° C. (measured by cAMP radioligand Antibodies (nM) (nM) activation) binding assay. 7E9 1.0 0.9 Yes 2.5 8B6 1.1 1.2 Yes 4.0 10A8 2.1 3.0 Yes n.d. 7D11 4.4 5.4 Yes n.d. 6H2 9.3 42 Yes 12.9 4901 61 139 Yes 58 14E10 80 179 Yes n.d. 9B8 85 183 No n.d. 13C2 94 379 No n.d. 14A9 148 581 No n.d. 6D5 210 647 No n.d. 1C5 296 652 No n.d. Note: Antibody 4901 is commercially available (Sigma, Product No. C7113). n.d. = not determined

TABLE 3 Characteristics of the anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies' binding to rat α-CGRP and antagonist activity Cell-based blocking of binding of rat α-CGRP In vivo K_(D) to rat to its receptor at 25° C. blocking in α-CGRP at (measured by cAMP saphenous Antibodies 37° C. (nM) activation) nerve assay 4901 3.4 Yes Yes 7E9 47 Yes Yes 6H2 54 No No 8B6 75 Yes Yes 7D11 218 Yes Yes 10A8 451 No n.d. 9B8 876 No n.d. 14E10 922 No n.d. 13C2 >1000 No n.d. 14A9 >1000 No n.d. 6D5 >1000 No n.d. 105 >1000 No n.d. “n.d.” indicates no test was performed for the antibody.

TABLE 4 Amino acid sequences of human α-CGRP fragments (SEQ ID NOS: 15-40) and related peptides (SEQ ID NOS: 41-47). All peptides are C-terminally amidated except SEQ ID NOS: 36-40. Residues in bold indicate point mutations. SEQ ID CGRP Amino acid sequence NO 1-37 (WT) ACDTATCVTHRLAGLLSRSGGVVKNNFVP 15 TNVGSKAF  8-37 VTHRLAGLLSRSGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSKAF 16 19-37 SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSKAF 17 P29A (19-37) SGGVVKNNFVATNVGSKAF 18 K35A (19-37) SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSAAF 19 K35E (19-37) SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSEAF 20 K35M (19-37) SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSMAF 21 K35Q (19-37) SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSQAF 22 F37A (19-37) SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSKAA 23 25-38A NNFVPTNVGSKAFA 24 25-37 NNFVPTNVGSKAF 25 F27A (25-37) NNAVPTNVGSKAF 26 V28A (25-37) NNFAPTNVGSKAF 27 P29A (25-37) NNFVATNVGSKAF 28 T30A (25-37) NNFVPANVGSKAF 29 N31A (25-37) NNFVPTAVGSKAF 30 V32A (25-37) NNFVPTNAGSKAF 31 G33A (25-37) NNFVPTNVASKAF 32 S34A (25-37) NNFVPTNVGAKAF 33 F37A (25-37) NNFVPTNVGSKAA 34 26-37 NFVPTNVGSKAF 35 19-37-COOH SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSKAF 36 19-36-COOH SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSKA 37 1-36-COOH ACDTATCVTHRLAGLLSRSGGVVKNNFVP 38 TNVGSKA 1-19-COOH ACDTATCVTHRLAGLLSRS 39 1-13-COOH ACDTATCVTHRLA 40 rat α (1-37) SCNTATCVTHRLAGLLSRSGGVVKDNFVP 41 TNVGSEAF rat α (19-37) SGGVVKDNFVPTNVGSEAF 42 human β (1-37) ACNTATCVTHRLAGLLSRSGGMVKSNFVP 43 TNVGSKAF rat 13(1-37) SCNTATCVTHRLAGLLSRSGGVVKDNFVP 44 TNVGSKAF Human calcitonin CGNLSTCMLGTYTQDFNKFHTFPQTAIGV 45 (1-32) GAP Human amylin KCNTATCATQRLANFLVHSSNNFGAILSS 46 (1-37) TNVGSNTY Human YRQSMNNFQGLRSFGCRFGTCTVQKLAHQ 47 adrenomedullin IYQFTDKDKDNVAPRSKISPQGY (1-52)

Example 2: Screening of Anti-CGRP Antagonist Antibodies Using In Vitro Assays

Murine anti-CGRP antibodies were further screened for antagonist activity in vitro using cell based cAMP activation assay and binding assay.

Antagonist activity measured by cAMP assay. Five microliters of human or rat α-CGRP (final concentration 50 nM) in the presence or absence of an anti-CGRP antibody (final concentration 1-3000 nM), or rat α-CGRP or human α-CGRP (final concentration 0.1 nM-10 μM; as a positive control for c-AMP activation) was dispensed into a 384-well plate (Nunc, Cat. No. 264657). Ten microliters of cells (human SK-N-MC if human α-CGRP is used, or rat L6 from ATCC if rat α-CGRP is used) in stimulation buffer (20 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 146 mM NaCl, 5 mM KCl, 1 mM CaCl₂), 1 mM MgCl₂, and 500 μM 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)) were added into the wells of the plate. The plate was incubated at room temperature for 30 minutes.

After the incubation, cAMP activation was performed using HitHunter™ Enzyme Fragment Complementation Assay (Applied Biosystems) following manufacture's instruction. The assay is based on a genetically engineered β-galactosidase enzyme that consists of two fragments-termed Enzyme Acceptor (EA) and Enzyme Donor (ED). When the two fragments are separated, the enzyme is inactive. When the fragments are together they can recombine spontaneously to form active enzyme by a process called complementation. The EFC assay platform utilizes an ED-cAMP peptide conjugate in which cAMP is recognized by anti-cAMP. This ED fragment is capable of reassociation with EA to form active enzyme. In the assay, anti-cAMP antibody is optimally titrated to bind ED-cAMP conjugate and inhibit enzyme formation. Levels of cAMP in cell lysate samples compete with ED-cAMP conjugate for binding to the anti-cAMP antibody. The amount of free ED conjugate in the assay is proportional to the concentration of cAMP. Therefore, cAMP is measured by the formation of active enzyme that is quantified by the turnover of β-galactosidase luminescent substrate. The cAMP activation assay was performed by adding 10 μl of lysis buffer and anti-cAMP antibody (1:1 ratio) following by incubation at room temperature for 60 min. Then 10 μl of ED-cAMP reagent was added into each well and incubated for 60 minutes at room temperature. After the incubation, 20 μl of EA reagent and CL mixture (containing the substrate) (1:1 ratio) was added into each well and incubated for 1-3 hours or overnight at room temperature. The plate was read at 1 second/well on PMT instrument or 30 seconds/place on imager. The antibodies that inhibit activation of cAMP by α-CGRP were identified (referred to as “yes”) in Tables 2 and 3 above. Data in Tables 2 and 3 indicate that antibodies that demonstrated antagonist activity in the assay generally have high affinity. For example, antibodies having K_(D) (determined at 25° C.) of about 80 nM or less to human α-CGRP or having K_(D) (determined at 37° C.) of about 47 nM or less to rat α-CGRP showed antagonist activity in this assay.

Radioligand binding assay. Binding assay was performed to measure the IC₅₀ of anti-CGRP antibody in blocking the CGRP from binding to the receptor as described previously. Zimmermann et al., Peptides 16:421-4, 1995; Mallee et al., J. Biol. Chem. 277:14294-8, 2002. Membranes (25 μg) from SK-N-MC cells were incubated for 90 min at room temperature in incubation buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, 5 mM MgCl₂, 0.1% BSA) containing 10 pM ¹²⁵I-human α-CGRP in a total volume of 1 mL. To determine inhibition concentrations (IC₅₀), antibodies or unlabeled CGRP (as a control), from a about 100 fold higher stock solution were dissolved at varying concentrations in the incubation buffer and incubated at the same time with membranes and 10 pM ¹²⁵I-human α-CGRP. Incubation was terminated by filtration through a glass microfiber filter (GF/B, 1 μm) which had been blocked with 0.5% polyethylemimine. Dose response curves were plotted and K values were determined by using the equation: K_(i)=IC₅₀/(1+([ligand]/K_(D)); where the equilibrium dissociation constant K_(D)=8 pM for human α-CGRP to CGRP1 receptor as present in SK-N-MC cells, and B_(max)=0.025 pmol/mg protein. The reported IC₅₀ value (in terms of IgG molecules) was converted to binding sites (by multiplying it by 2) so that it could be compared with the affinities (K_(D)) determined by Biacore (see Table 2).

Table 2 shows the IC₅₀ of murine antibodies 7E9, 8B6, 6H2 and 4901. Data indicate that antibody affinity generally correlates with IC₅₀: antibodies with higher affinity (lower K_(D) values) have lower IC₅₀ in the radioligand binding assay.

Example 3: Effect of Anti-CGRP Antagonist Antibodies on Skin Vasodilatation Induced by Stimulation of Rat Saphenous Nerve

To test antagonist activity of anti-CGRP antibodies, effect of the antibodies on skin vasodilatation by stimulation of rat saphenous nerve was tested using a rat model described previously. Escott et al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 110:772-776, 1993. In this rat model, electrical stimulation of saphenous nerve induces release of CGRP from nerve endings, resulting in an increase in skin blood flow. Blood flow in the foot skin of male Sprague Dawley rats (170-300 g, from Charles River Hollister) was measured after saphenous nerve stimulation. Rats were maintained under anesthesia with 2% isoflurane. Bretylium tosylate (30 mg/kg, administered i.v.) was given at the beginning of the experiment to minimize vasoconstriction due to the concomitant stimulation of sympathetic fibers of the saphenous nerve. Body temperature was maintained at 37° C. by the use of a rectal probe thermostatically connected to a temperature controlled heating pad. Compounds including antibodies, positive control (CGRP 8-37), and vehicle (PBS, 0.01% Tween 20) were given intravenously through the right femoral vein, except for the experiment shown in FIG. 3, the test compound and the control were injected through tail vein, and for experiments shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, antibodies 4901 and 7D11 were injected intraperitoneally (IP). Positive control compound CGRP 8-37 (vasodilatation antagonist), due to its short half-life, was given 3-5 min before nerve stimulation at 400 nmol/kg (200 μl). Tan et al., Clin. Sci. 89:656-73, 1995. The antibodies were given in different doses (1 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 25 mg/kg).

For experiments shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, antibody 4901 (25 mg/kg), antibody 7D11 (25 mg/kg), or vehicle control (PBS with 0.01% Tween 20) was administered intraperitoneally (IP) 72 hours before the electrical pulse stimulation. For experiment shown in FIG. 3, antibody 4901 (1 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, or 25 mg/kg) or vehicle control (PBS with 0.01% Tween 20) was administered intravenously 24 hours before the electrical pulse stimulation. After administration of the antibodies or vehicle control, the saphenous nerve of the right hindlimb was exposed surgically, cut proximally and covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying. A laser Doppler probe was placed over the medio-dorsal side of the hindpaw skin, which is the region innervated by the saphenous nerve. Skin blood flow, measured as blood cell flux, was monitored with a laser Doppler flow meter. When a stable base-line flux (less than 5% variation) was established for at least 5 minutes, the nerve was placed over platinum bipolar electrodes and electrically stimulated with 60 pulses (2 Hz, 10 V, 1 ms, for 30 seconds) and then again 20 minutes later. Cumulative change in skin blood flow was estimated by the area under the flux-time curve (AUC, which is equal to change in flux multiplied by change in time) for each flux response to electrical pulse stimulation. The average of the blood flow response to the two stimulations was taken. Animals were kept under anesthesia for a period of one to three hours.

As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, blood flow increase stimulated by applying electronic pulses on saphenous nerve was inhibited by the presence of CGRP 8-37 (400 nmol/kg, administered i.v.), antibody 4901 (25 mg/kg, administered ip), or antibody 7D11 (25 mg/kg, administered ip) as compared to the control. CGRP 8-37 was administered 3-5 minutes before the saphenous nerve stimulation; and antibodies were administered 72 hours before the saphenous nerve stimulation. As shown in FIG. 3, blood flow increase stimulated by applying electronic pulses on saphenous nerve was inhibited by the presence of antibody 4901 at different doses (1 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, and 25 mg/kg) administered intravenously at 24 hours before the saphenous nerve stimulation.

For experiments shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, saphenous nerve was exposed surgically before antibody administration. The saphenous nerve of the right hindlimb was exposed surgically, cut proximally and covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying. A laser Doppler probe was placed over the medio-dorsal side of the hindpaw skin, which is the region innervated by the saphenous nerve. Skin blood flow, measured as blood cell flux, was monitored with a laser Doppler flow meter. Thirty to forty-five minutes after bretylium tosylate injection, when a stable base-line flux (less than 5% variation) was established for at least 5 minutes, the nerve was placed over platinum bipolar electrodes and electrically stimulated (2 Hz, 10V, 1 ms, for 30 seconds) and again 20 minutes later. The average of the blood flow flux response to these two stimulations was used to establish the baseline response (time 0) to electrical stimulation. Antibody 4901 (1 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg), antibody 7E9 (10 mg/kg), antibody 8B6 (10 mg/kg), or vehicle (PBS with 0.01% Tween 20) were then administered intravenously (i.v.). The nerve was subsequently stimulated (2 Hz, 10V, 1 ms, for 30 sec) at 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes after antibody or vehicle administration. Animals were kept under anesthesia for a period of approximately three hours. Cumulative change in skin blood flow was estimated by the area under the flux-time curve (AUC, which is equal to change in flux multiplied by change in time) for each flux response to electrical pulse stimulations.

As shown in FIG. 4A, blood flow increase stimulated by applying electronic pulses on saphenous nerve was significantly inhibited by the presence of antibody 4901 1 mg/kg administered i.v., when electronic pulse stimulation was applied at 60 minutes, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes after the antibody administration, and blood flow increase stimulated by applying electronic pulses on saphenous nerve was significantly inhibited by the presence of antibody 4901 10 mg/kg administered i.v., when electronic pulse stimulation was applied at 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes after the antibody administration. FIG. 4B shows that blood flow increase stimulated by applying electronic pulses on saphenous nerve was significantly inhibited by the presence of antibody 7E9 (10 mg/kg, administered i.v.) when electronic pulse stimulation was applied at 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, and 120 min after antibody administration, and by the presence of antibody 8B6 (10 mg/kg, administered i.v.) when electronic pulse stimulation was applied at 30 min after antibody administration.

These data indicate that antibodies 4901, 7E9, 7D11, and 8B6 are effective in blocking CGRP activity as measured by skin vasodilatation induced by stimulation of rat saphenous nerve.

Example 4. Characterization of Anti-CGRP Antibody G1 and its Variants

Amino acid sequences for the heavy chain variable region and light chain variable region of anti-CGRP antibody G1 are shown in FIG. 5. The following methods were used for expression and characterization of antibody G1 and its variants.

Expression vector used. Expression of the Fab fragment of the antibodies was under control of an IPTG inducible lacZ promoter similar to that described in Barbas (2001) Phage display: a laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press pg. 2.10. Vector pComb3X), however, modifications included addition and expression of the following additional domains: the human Kappa light chain constant domain and the CH1 constant domain of IgG2 human immunoglobulin, Ig gamma-2 chain C region, protein accession number P01859; Immunoglobulin kappa light chain (Homo sapiens), protein accession number CAA09181.

Small scale Fab preparation. From E. coli transformed (either using electroporation-competent TG1 cells or chemically-competent Top 10 cells) with a Fab library, single colonies were used to inoculate both a master plate (agar LB+carbenicillin (50 μg/mL)+2% glucose) and a working plate (2 mL/well, 96-well/plate) where each well contained 1.5 mL LB+carbenicillin (50 μg/mL)+2% glucose. A gas permeable adhesive seal (ABgene, Surrey, UK) was applied to the plate. Both plates were incubated at 30° C. for 12-16 hours; the working plate was shaken vigorously. The master plate was stored at 4° C. until needed, while the cells from the working plate were pelleted (4000 rpm, 4° C., 20 minutes) and resuspended in 1.0 mL LB+carbenicillin (50 μg/mL)+0.5 mM IPTG to induce expression of Fabs by vigorous shaking for 5 hours at 30° C. Induced cells were centrifuges at 4000 rpm, 4° C. for 20 minutes and resuspended in 0.6 mL Biacore HB-SEP buffer (10 mM HEPES pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.005% v/v P20). Lysis of HB-SEP resuspended cells was accomplished by freezing (−80° C.) and then thawing at 37° C. Cell lysates were centrifuged at 4000 rpm, 4° C. for 1 hour to separate the debris from the Fab-containing supernatants, which were subsequently filtered (0.2 μm) using a Millipore MultiScreen Assay System 96-Well Filtration Plate and vacuum manifold. Biacore was used to analyze filtered supernatants by injecting them across CGRPs on the sensor chip. Affinity-selected clones expressing Fabs were rescued from the master plate, which provided template DNA for PCR, sequencing, and plasmid preparation.

Large scale Fab preparation. To obtain kinetic parameters, Fabs were expressed on a larger scale as follows. Erlenmeyer flasks containing 150 mL LB+carbenicillin (50 μg/mL)+2% glucose were inoculated with 1 mL of a “starter” overnight culture from an affinity-selected Fab-expressing E. coli clone. The remainder of the starter culture (˜3 mL) was used to prepare plasmid DNA (QIAprep mini-prep, Qiagen kit) for sequencing and further manipulation. The large culture was incubated at 30° C. with vigorous shaking until an OD_(600 nm) of 1.0 was attained (typically 12-16 h). The cells were pelleted by centrifuging at 4000 rpm, 4° C. for 20 minutes, and resuspended in 150 mL LB+carbenicillin (50 μg/mL)+0.5 mM IPTG. After 5 hours expression at 30° C., cells were pelleted by centrifuging at 4000 rpm, 4° C. for 20 minutes, resuspended in 10 mL Biacore HBS-EP buffer, and lysed using a single freeze (−80° C.)/thaw (37° C.) cycle. Cell lysates were pelleted by centrifuging at 4000 rpm, 4° C. for one hour, and the supernatant was collected and filtered (0.2 um). Filtered supernatants were loaded onto Ni-NTA superflow sepharose (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.) columns equilibrated with PBS, pH 8, then washed with 5 column volumes of PBS, pH 8. Individual Fabs eluted in different fractions with PBS (pH 8)+300 mM Imidazole. Fractions containing Fabs were pooled and dialyzed in PBS, then quantified by ELISA prior to affinity characterization.

Full antibody preparation. For expression of full antibodies, heavy and light chain variable regions were cloned in mammalian expression vectors and transfected using lipofectamine into HEK 293 cells for transient expression. Antibodies were purified using protein A using standard methods.

Vector pDb.CGRP.hFcGI is an expression vector comprising the heavy chain of the G1 antibody, and is suitable for transient or stable expression of the heavy chain. Vector pDb.CGRP.hFcGI has nucleotide sequences corresponding to the following regions: the murine cytomegalovirus promoter region (nucleotides 7-612); a synthetic intron (nucleotides 613-1679); the DHFR coding region (nucleotides 688-1253); human growth hormone signal peptide (nucleotides 1899-1976); heavy chain variable region of G1 (nucleotides 1977-2621); human heavy chain IgG2 constant region containing the following mutations: A330P331 to S330S331 (amino acid numbering with reference to the wildtype IgG2 sequence; see Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624). Vector pDb.CGRP.hFcGI was deposited at the ATCC on Jul. 15, 2005, and was assigned ATCC Accession No. PTA-6867.

Vector pEb.CGRP.hKGI is an expression vector comprising the light chain of the G1 antibody, and is suitable for transient expression of the light chain. Vector pEb.CGRP.hKGI has nucleotide sequences corresponding to the following regions: the murine cytomegalovirus promoter region (nucleotides 2-613); human EF-1 intron (nucleotides 614-1149); human growth hormone signal peptide (nucleotides 1160-1237); antibody G1 light chain variable region (nucleotides 1238-1558); human kappa chain constant region (nucleotides 1559-1882). Vector pEb.CGRP.hKGI was deposited at the ATCC on Jul. 15, 2005, and was assigned ATCC Accession No. PTA-6866.

Biacore assay for affinity determination. Affinities of G1 monoclonal antibody and its variants were determined at either 25° C. or 37° C. using the BIACORE3000™ surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system (Biacore, INC, Piscataway N.J.). Affinity was determined by capturing N-terminally biotinylated CGRP or fragments via pre-immobilized streptavidin (SA sensor chip) and measuring the binding kinetics of antibody G1 Fab fragments or variants titrated across the CGRP or fragment on the chip. All Biacore assays were conducted in HBS-EP running buffer (10 mM HEPES pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.005% v/v polysorbate P20). CGRP surfaces were prepared by diluting the N-biotinylated CGRP to a concentration of less than 0.001 mg/mL into HBS-EP buffer and injecting it across the SA sensor chip using variable contact times. Low capacity surfaces, corresponding to capture levels <50 response units (RU) were used for high-resolution kinetic studies, whereas high capacity surfaces (about 800 RU of captured CGRP) were used for concentration studies, screening, and solution affinity determinations. Kinetic data were obtained by diluting antibody G1 Fab serially in two- or three-fold increments to concentrations spanning 1 uM-0.1 nM (aimed at 0.1-10× estimated K_(D)). Samples were typically injected for 1 minute at 100 μL/min and dissociation times of at least 10 minutes were allowed. After each binding cycle, surfaces were regenerated with 25 mM NaOH in 25% v/v ethanol, which was tolerated over hundreds of cycles. An entire titration series (typically generated in duplicate) was fit globally to a 1:1 Langmuir binding model using the BIAevaluation program. This returned a unique pair of association and dissociation kinetic rate constants (respectively, k_(on) and k_(off)) for each binding interaction, whose ratio gave the equilibrium dissociation constant (K_(D)=k_(off)/k_(on)). Affinities (K_(D) values) determined in this way are listed in Tables 6 and 7.

High-resolution analysis of binding interactions with extremely slow offrates. For interactions with extremely slow offrates (in particular, antibody G1 Fab binding to human α-CGRP on the chip at 25° C.), affinities were obtained in a two-part experiment. The protocol described above was used with the following modifications. The association rate constant (k_(on)) was determined by injecting a 2-fold titration series (in duplicate) spanning 550 nM-1 nM for 30 seconds at 100 μL/min and allowing only a 30 second dissociation phase. The dissociation rate constant (k_(off)) was determined by injecting three concentrations (high, medium, and low) of the same titration series in duplicate for 30 seconds and allowing a 2-hour dissociation phase. The affinity (K_(D)) of each interaction was obtained by combining the k_(on) and k_(off) values obtained in both types of experiments, as shown in Table 5.

Determining solution affinity by Biacore. The solution affinity of antibody G1 for rat α-CGRP and F37A (19-37) human α-CGRP was measured by Biacore at 37° C. A high capacity CGRP chip surface was used (the high-affinity human α-CGRP was chosen for detection purposes) and HBS-EP running buffer was flowed at 5 μL/m in. Antibody G1 Fab fragment at a constant concentration of 5 nM (aimed to be at or below the expected K_(D) of the solution-based interaction) was pre-incubated with competing peptide, either rat α-CGRP or F37A (19-37) human α-CGRP, at final concentrations spanning 1 nM to 1 μM in 3-fold serial dilutions. Antibody G1 Fab solutions in the absence or presence of solution-based competing peptide, were injected across CGRP on the chip and the depletion of binding responses detected at the chip surface as a result of solution competition was monitored. These binding responses were converted to “free Fab concentrations” using a calibration curve, which was constructed by titrating antibody G1 Fab alone (5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, 0.325 and 0 nM) across the CGRP on the chip. “Free Fab concentrations” were plotted against the concentration of competing solution-based peptide used to generate each data point and fit to a solution affinity model using the BIAevaluation software. The solution affinities determined (indirectly) in this way are shown in Tables 5 and 7 and were used to validate the affinities obtained when Fabs are injected directly across N-biotinylated CGRPs on a SA chip. The close agreement between the affinities determined by these two methods confirms that tethering an N-biotinylated version of the CGRP to the chip does not alter its native solution binding activity.

Table 5 below shows the binding affinities of antibody G1 to human α-CGRP, human β-CGRP, rat α-CGRP, and rat β-CGRP determined by Biacore, by flowing Fab fragments across N-biotinylated CGRPs on a SA chip. To better resolve the affinities of binding interactions with extremely slow offrates, affinities were also determined in a two-part experiment to complement this assay orientation, the solution affinity of the rat α-CGRP interaction was also determined (as described above). The close agreement of the affinities measured in both assay orientations confirms that the binding affinity of the native rat α-CGRP in solution is not altered when it is N-biotinylated and tethered to a SA chip.

TABLE 5 Binding affinities of antibody G1 Fabs titrated across CGRPs on the chip CGRP on chip Temp. (° C.) k_(on) (1/Ms) k_(off) (1/s) K_(D) (nM) Human α-CGRP 25 1.86 × 10⁵ 7.80 × 10⁻⁶ 0.042 (7%, n = 4)* Human α-CGRP 37 5.78 × 10⁵ 3.63 × 10⁻⁵ 0.063 (4%, n = 2)* Human β-CGRP 37 4.51 × 10⁵ 6.98 × 10⁻⁵ 0.155 Rat α-CGRP 25 5.08 × 10⁴ 6.18 × 10⁻⁵ 1.22 (12%, n = 2)* Rat α-CGRP 37 1.55 × 10⁵ 3.99 × 10⁻⁴ 2.57* (Solution K_(D) = 10 (50%, n = 4)** Rat β-CGRP 37 5.16 × 10⁵ 7.85 × 10⁻⁵ 0.152 *Affinities for α-CGRPs (rat and human) were determined in a high-resolution two-part experiment, in which the dissociation phase was monitored for 2 hours (the values for k_(on), k_(off), and K_(D) represent the average of n replicate experiments with the standard deviation expressed as a percent variance). Affinities for β-CGRPs (rat and human) were determined by global analysis using only a 20-min dissociation phase, which was not accurate enough to quantify their extremely offrates (their offrates are likely slower than stated here and therefore their affinities are likely even higher). Antibody G1 Fab dissociated extremely slowly from all CGRPs (except α-rat CGRP) with offrates that approached the resolution limit of the Biacore assay (especially at 25° C.). **Solution affinity determined by measuring the depletion of binding responses detected at CGRP on the chip for antibody G1 Fab pre-incubated with solution-based rat α-CGRP competitor.

Table 6 below shows antibodies having the amino acid sequence variation as compared to antibody G1 and their affinities to both rat α-CGRP and human α-CGRP. All amino acid substitutions of the variants shown in Table 6 are described relative to the sequence of G1. The binding affinities of Fab fragments were determined by Biacore by flowing them across CGRPs on a SA chip.

TABLE 6 Amino acid sequences and binding affinity data for antibody G1 variants determined at 37° C. by Biacore. α-rat α-rat α-human α-human Clone L1 L2 H2 HC-FW3 k_(off) (1/s) K_(D) (nM) k_(off) (1/s) K_(D) (nM) G1 3.99 × 10⁻⁴ 2.57 3.63 × 10⁻⁵ 0.063 M1 A100L 1.10 × 10⁻³ 1.73 × 10⁻⁴ M2 L99A  2.6 × 10⁻³ 58  3.1 × 10⁻⁴ 3 A100R M3 L99A  2.0 × 10⁻³ 61  2.1 × 10⁻⁴ 1.7 A100S M4 L99A 1.52 × 10⁻³ 84.4 6.95 × 10⁻⁵ 0.43 A100V M5 L99A 7.35 × 10⁻⁴ 40.8 3.22 × 10⁻⁵ 0.20 A100Y M6 L99N 7.84 × 10⁻⁴ 43.6 1.33 × 10⁻⁴ 0.83 M7 L99N 9.18 × 10⁻⁴ 51.0 2.43 × 10⁻⁴ 1.52 A100C M8 L99N 7.45 × 10⁻⁴ 41.4 9.20 × 10⁻⁵ 0.58 A100G M9 L99N n.d. n.d. 1.00 × 10⁻⁵ 0.06 A100Y M10 L99S 1.51 × 10⁻³ 83.9 1.73 × 10⁻⁴ 1.08 A100S M11 L99S 4.83 × 10⁻³ 268.3 2.83 × 10⁻⁴ 1.77 A100T M12 L99S 1.94 × 10⁻³ 107.8 1.01 × 10⁻⁴ 0.63 A100V M13 L99T 1.84 × 10⁻³ 102.2 1.86 × 10⁻⁴ 1.16 A100G M14 L99T n.d. n.d. 1.00 × 10⁻⁵ 0.06 A100K M15 L99T 1.15 × 10⁻³ 63.9 1.58 × 10⁻⁵ 0.10 A100P M16 L99T 9.96 × 10⁻⁴ 55.3 1.65 × 10⁻⁴ 1.03 A100S M17 L99T 2.06 × 10⁻³ 114.4 1.85 × 10⁻⁴ 1.16 A100V M18 L99V 1.22 × 10⁻³ 67.8 7.03 × 10⁻⁵ 0.44 A100G M19 L99V n.d. n.d. 1.00 × 10⁻⁵ 0.06 A100R M20 R28W L99R 1.44 × 10⁻³ 80.0 1.36 × 10⁻⁴ 0.85 A100L M21 R28W L99S 6.95 × 10⁻⁴ 15.2 1.42 × 10⁻⁴ 1.23 M22 R28W L99T 1.10 × 10⁻³ 61.1 1.16 × 10⁻⁴ 0.73 M23 R28G L99T 7.99 × 10⁻⁴ 44.4 1.30 × 10⁻⁴ 0.81 A100V M24 R28L L99T 1.04 × 10⁻³ 57.8 1.48 × 10⁻⁴ 0.93 A100V M25 R28N L99T  1.4 × 10⁻³ 76  1.4 × 10⁻⁴ 1.3 A100V M26 R28N A57G L99T 9.24 × 10⁻⁴ 51.3 1.48 × 10⁻⁴ 0.93 A100V M27 R28N L99T 3.41 × 10⁻³ 189.4 3.57 × 10⁻⁴ 2.23 T30A A100V M28 R28N E54R L99T 1.25 × 10⁻³ 69.4 9.96 × 10⁻⁵ 0.62 T30D A57N A100V M29 R28N L99T 3.59 × 10⁻³ 199.4 3.80 × 10⁻⁴ 2.38 T30G A100V M30 R28N E54K L99T 6.38 × 10⁻³ 354.4 5.90 × 10⁻⁴ 3.69 T30G A57E A100V M31 R28N E54K L99T 3.61 × 10⁻³ 200.6 3.47 × 10⁻⁴ 2.17 T30G A57G A100V M32 R28N E54K L99T 2.96 × 10⁻³ 164.4 2.71 × 10⁻⁴ 1.69 T30G A57H A100V M33 R28N E54K L99T 9.22 × 10⁻³ 512.2 7.50 × 10⁻⁴ 4.69 T30G A57N A100V S58G M34 R28N E54K L99T 2.17 × 10⁻³ 120.6 6.46 × 10⁻⁴ 4.04 T30G A57N A100V S58T M35 R28N E54K L99T 3.99 × 10⁻³ 221.7 3.39 × 10⁻⁴ 2.12 T30G A57S A100V M36 R28N L99T 4.79 × 10⁻³ 266.1 2.39 × 10⁻⁴ 1.49 T30R A100V M37 R28N A57G L99T 1.45 × 10⁻³ 80.6 2.26 × 10⁻⁴ 1.41 T30S A100V M38 R28N L99T 5.11 × 10⁻³ 283.9 2.18 × 10⁻⁴ 1.36 T30W A100V M39 R28N G50A A57N L99T 9.95 × 10⁻³ 552.8 4.25 × 10⁻⁴ 2.66 L56T S58Y A100V M40 R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.36 20000.0 1.28 × 10⁻³ 8.00 L56T A57L A100V M41 R28N G50A E54K L99T 4.53 × 10⁻³ 251.7 2.10 × 10⁻⁴ 1.31 L56T A57N A100V E64D M42 R28N G50A E54K L99T 7.52 × 10⁻³ 417.8 4.17 × 10⁻⁴ 2.61 L56T A57N A100V H61F M43 R28N G50A E54K L99T 4.53 × 10⁻³ 251.7 2.63 × 10⁻⁴ 1.64 L56T A57N A100V S58C M44 R28N G50A E54K L99T 6.13 × 10⁻³ 443 2.10 × 10⁻⁴ 2.05 L56T A57N A100V S58E M45 R28N G50A E54K L99T 5.58 × 10⁻³ 259 2.11 × 10⁻⁴ 1.85 L56T A57N A100V S58E E64D M46 R28N G50A E54K L99T 2.94 × 10⁻³ 163.3 5.39 × 10⁻⁴ 3.37 L56T A57N A100V S58E H61F M47 R28N G50A E54K L99T 8.23 × 10⁻³ 457.2 3.32 × 10⁻⁴ 2.08 L56T A57N A100V S58G M48 R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.0343 1905.6 8.42 × 10⁻⁴ 5.26 L56T A57N A100V S58L M49 R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.0148 822.2 5.95 × 10⁻⁴ 3.72 L56T A57N A100V S58Y H61F M50 R28N G50A E54K L99T 5.30 × 10⁻³ 294.4 4.06 × 10⁻⁴ 2.54 L56T A57R A100V M51 R28N L561 E54K L99T 1.18 × 10⁻³ 65.6 1.31 × 10⁻⁴ 0.82 A57G A100V M52 R28N L561 E54K L99T 2.29 × 10⁻³ 127.2 2.81 × 10⁻⁴ 1.76 A57N A100V S58A M53 R28N L561 E54K L99T 1.91 × 10⁻³ 106.1 3.74 × 10⁻⁴ 2.34 A57N A100V S58G M54 R28N G50A E54K L99T 2.16 × 10⁻³ 120.0 1.79 × 10⁻³ 11.19 T30A A57N A100V S58P M55 R28N L56S E54K L99T 5.85 × 10⁻³ 325.0 4.78 × 10⁻⁴ 2.99 T30A A57N A100V S58E E64D M56 R28N L56S E54K L99T 9.35 × 10⁻³ 519.4 4.79 × 10⁻⁴ 2.99 T30D A57N A100V H61F M57 R28N L56S E54K L99T 0.0104 1.200 3.22 × 10⁻⁴ 3.08 T30D A57N A100V S58E M58 R28N L56S E54K L99T No binding n.d. 1.95 × 10⁻³ 12.19 T30D A57N A100V S581 H61F M59 R28N L56S E54K L99T 0.0123 683.3 5.24 × 10⁻⁴ 3.28 T30D A57N A100V S58N H61F M60 R28N L56S E54K L99T 0.0272 1511.1 9.11 × 10⁻⁴ 5.69 T30D A57N A100V S58R H61F M61 R28N A51H E54Q L99T 5.21 × 10⁻³ 289.4 4.59 × 10⁻⁴ 2.87 T30G A57N A100V H61F M62 R28N A51H E54K L99T 5.75 × 10⁻³ 242 5.57 × 10⁻⁴ 5.86 T30G L56T A57N A100V S58E M63 R28N G50A E54K L99T 2.65 × 10⁻³ 147.2 1.50 × 10⁻³ 9.38 T30G A57N A100V S58T M64 R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.0234 1300.0 1.32 × 10⁻³ 8.25 T30G A57N A100V S58V M65 R28N G50A E54K L99T 4.07 × 10⁻³ 226.1 8.03 × 10⁻⁴ 5.02 T30G L561 A57C A100V M66 R28N L561 E54K L99T 5.11 × 10⁻³ 283.9 5.20 × 10⁻⁴ 3.25 T30G A57E A100V M67 R28N L561 E54K L99T 1.71 × 10⁻³ 95.0 8.20 × 10⁻⁴ 5.13 T30G A57F A100V M68 R28N L561 E54K L99T 6.76 × 10⁻³ 375.6 4.28 × 10⁻⁴ 2.68 T30G A57N A100V S58D E64D M69 R28N L561 E54K L99T 1.81 × 10⁻³ 100.6 7.33 × 10⁻⁴ 4.58 T30G A57N A100V S58E M70 R28N L561 E54K L99T 6.07 × 10⁻³ 337.2 5.59 × 10⁻⁴ 3.49 T30G A57S A100V M71 R28N L561 E54K L99T 2.12 × 10⁻³ 117.8 1.28 × 10⁻³ 8.00 T30G A57Y A100V M72 R28N L56S E54K L99T 3.95 × 10⁻³ 219.4 4.00 × 10⁻⁴ 2.50 T30G A100V M73 R28N L56S E54K L99T 3.00 × 10⁻³ 166.7 2.55 × 10⁻⁴ 1.59 T30G A57N A100V S58Y E64D M74 R28N L56S E54K L99T 6.03 × 10⁻³ 335.0 5.97 × 10⁻⁴ 3.73 T30G A57S A100V M75 R28N L56S E54K L99T 1.87 × 10⁻² 1038.9 1.16 × 10⁻³ 7.25 T30G A57V A100V M76 R28N G50A A57G L99T 1.16 × 10⁻³ 64.4 3.64 × 10⁻⁴ 2.28 T30S L56T A100V M77 R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.0143 794.4 4.77 × 10⁻⁴ 2.98 T30S L56T A57D A100V M78 R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.167 9277.8 1.31 × 10⁻³ 8.19 T30S L56T A57N A100V S58T M79 R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.19 10555.6 1.29 × 10⁻³ 8.06 T30S L56T A57P A100V M80 R28N L561 E54K L99T 0.0993 5516.7 2.09 × 10⁻³ 13.06 T30S A57N A100V S58V M81 R28N L56S E54K L99T 4.29 × 10⁻³ 238.3 4.90 × 10⁻⁴ 3.06 T30S A57N A100V S58E M82 R28N A51H A57N L99T 6.99 × 10⁻³ 388.3 8.77 × 10⁻⁴ 5.48 T30V L56T A100V M83 R28N A51H E54K L99T No binding n.d. 9.33 × 10⁻⁴ 5.83 T30V L56T A57N A100V S58M H61F M84 R28N A51H E54N L99T 1.76 × 10⁻² 977.8 1.08 × 10⁻³ 6.75 T30V L56T A57N A100V

All CDRs including both Kabat and Chothia CDRs. Amino acid residues are numbered sequentially (see FIG. 5). All clones have L3+H1+H3 sequences identical to G1. K_(D)=k_(off)/k_(on). All k_(off) values were determined in a screening mode except those that are underlined, which were obtained by global analysis of a Fab concentration series (G1 was analyzed in a high-resolution mode). Underlined K_(D) values were therefore determined experimentally by measuring k_(on). Other k_(on) values were estimated to be the same as M25.

n.d.=not determined

To determine the epitope on human α-CGRP that is recognized by antibody G1, Biacore assays described above were used. Human α-CGRP was purchased as an N-biotinylated version to enable its high-affinity capture via SA sensor chips. The binding of G1 Fab fragment to the human α-CGRP on the chip in the absence or presence of a CGRP peptide was determined. Typically, a 2000:1 mol peptide/Fab solution (e.g., 10 μM peptide in 50 nM G1 Fab) was injected across human α-CGRP on the chip. FIG. 6 shows the percentage of binding blocked by competing peptide. Data shown in FIG. 6 indicate that peptides that block 100% binding of G1 Fab to human α-CGRP are 1-37 (WT), 8-37, 26-37, P29A (19-37), K35A (19-37), K35E (19-37), and K35M (19-37) of human α-CGRP; 1-37 of β-CGRP (WT); 1-37 of rat α-CGRP (WT); and 1-37 of rat 13-CGRP (WT). All these peptides are amidated at the C-terminus. Peptides F37A (19-37) and 19-37 (the latter not amidated at the C-terminus) of human α-CGRP also blocked about 80% to 90% of binding of G1 Fab to human α-CGRP. Peptide 1-36 (not amidated at the C-terminus) of human α-CGRP blocked about 40% of binding of G1 Fab to human α-CGRP. Peptide fragment 19-36 (amidated at the C-terminus) of human α-CGRP; peptide fragments 1-13 and 1-19 of human α-CGRP (neither of which are amidated at the C-terminus); and human amylin, calcitonin, and adrenomedullin (all amidated at the C-terminus) did not compete with binding of G1 Fab to human α-CGRP on the chip. These data demonstrate that G1 targets a C-terminal epitope of CGRP and that both the identity of the most terminal residue (F37) and its amidation is important for binding.

Binding affinities of G1 Fab to variants of human α-CGRP (at 37° C.) was also determined. Table 7 below shows the affinities as measured directly by titrating G1 Fab across N-biotinylated human α-CGRP and variants on the chip. Data in Table 7 indicate that antibody G1 binds to a C-terminal epitope with F37 and G33 being the most important residues. G1 does not bind to CGRP when an extra amino acid residue (alanine) is added at the C-terminal (which is amidated).

TABLE 7 Binding affinities of G1 Fab to human α-CGRP and variants measured at 37° C. (see Table 4 for their amino acid sequences) CGRP on chip k_(on) (1/Ms) k_(off) (1/s) K_(D) (nM) 1-37 (WT) 4.68 × 10⁵ 7.63 × 10⁻⁵ 0.16 (high resolution K_(D) = 0.06) 19-37 4.60 × 10⁵ 7.30 × 10⁻⁵ 0.16 25-37 3.10 × 10⁵ 8.80 × 10⁻⁵ 0.28 F27A (25-37) 3.25 × 10⁵ 1.24 × 10⁻⁴ 0.38 V28A (25-37) 3.32 × 10⁵ 9.38 × 10⁻⁵ 0.28 P29A (25-37) 2.26 × 10⁵ 1.78 × 10⁻⁴ 0.79 T30A (25-37) 1.79 × 10⁵ 8.41 × 10⁻⁵ 0.47 N31A (25-37) 2.17 × 10⁵ 1.14 × 10⁻⁴ 0.53 V32A (25-37) 2.02 × 10⁵ 3.46 × 10⁻⁴ 1.71 G33A (25-37) 2.07 × 10⁵ 0.0291 141 S34A (25-37) 2.51 × 10⁵ 7.64 × 10⁻⁴ 3.04 K35A (19-37) 2.23 × 10⁵ 2.97 × 10⁻⁴ 1.33 K35E (19-37) 5.95 × 10⁴ 5.79 × 10⁻⁴ 9.73 K35M (19-37) 2.63 × 10⁵ 1.34 × 10⁻⁴ 0.51 K35Q (19-37) 1.95 × 10⁵ 2.70 × 10⁻⁴ 1.38 F37A (25-37) 8.90 × 10⁴ 8.48 × 10⁻³ 95 (solution K_(D) = 172 nM) 38A (25-38A) — — No binding detected

The above data indicate that the epitope that antibody G1 binds is on the C-terminal end of human α-CGRP, and amino acids 33 and 37 on human α-CGRP are important for binding of antibody G1. Also, the amidation of residue F37 is important for binding.

Example 5. Clinical Study

A clinical study is conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fremanezumab for prophylactic treatment of migraine in patients with inadequate response to prior preventive treatments. Fremanezumab (TEV-48125) is a fully humanized IgG 2a/kappa monoclonal antibody for administration by the subcutaneous route for the preventive treatment of migraine. Fremanezumab is a potent, selective calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) binder that blocks both CGRP isoforms (α and β CGRP) from binding to the CGRP receptor.

Objectives

The primary objective of the study is to demonstrate the efficacy of fremanezumab administered as monthly and quarterly subcutaneous (sc) injections to adult patients with migraine with inadequate response to two to four classes of prior preventive treatments as compared with placebo.

The secondary objective of the study is to further evaluate the efficacy of fremanezumab administered as monthly and quarterly sc injections to adult patients with migraine with inadequate response to two to four classes of prior preventive treatments as compared with placebo.

A secondary objective of the study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of fremanezumab administered as monthly and quarterly sc injections to adult patients with migraine with inadequate response to two to four classes of prior preventive treatments as compared with placebo.

The exploratory objectives are as follows:

-   -   to further evaluate the efficacy of fremanezumab in adult         migraine patients with inadequate response to two to four         classes of prior preventive treatments     -   to evaluate immunogenicity and impact of antidrug antibody (ADA)         on clinical outcome     -   to explore the correlation between pharmacokinetic parameters         and efficacy of fremanezumab     -   to explore the relationship between genetic polymorphisms,         migraine onset/severity and efficacy and safety of fremanezumab

Clinical Study Design

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study with an open-lable period is conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of monthly and quarterly subcutaneous (sc) fremanezumab compared with placebo in patients with chronic migraine (CM) and episodic migraine (EM) with inadequate response to prior preventive treatments. The study will consist of a screening visit, a run-in period (28 days), a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment period, a 12-week open-label period, and a follow-up visit 6.0 months after the last dose of fremanezumab for ADA blood sample collection. At the end of the open-label treatment period (4 weeks after the last dose) an end of treatment study visit (visit 8) will be scheduled and patients should return to the care of their treating physicians. Patients should be treated with standard of care after withdrawal from or termination of the 24-week treatment period/study, as appropriate.

Double-Blind Period

At the baseline visit (visit 2), patients are randomly assigned to a treatment group with fremanezumab (2 different dose regimens) or placebo in a 1:1:1 ratio as follows:

-   -   For patients with CM:         -   sc administration of 675 mg of fremanezumab at visit 2             followed by monthly sc administration of 225 mg of             fremanezumab for 2 months or         -   sc administration of 675 mg of fremanezumab at visit 2             followed by monthly sc administration of of matching placebo             for 2 months or         -   3 monthly doses of matching placebo     -   For patients with EM:         -   sc administration of fremanezumab at 225 mg plus 2 matching             placebo injections as first dose followed by monthly sc             administration of 225 mg of fremanezumab for 2 months or         -   sc administration of fremanezumab at 675 mg as first dose             followed by monthly sc administration of matching placebo             for 2 months or         -   3 monthly doses of matching placebo

Open-Label Period

After visit 4, all patients completing the double-blind period enter the open-label period. All patients (CM and EM) will receive sc 225 mg of fremanezumab monthly for 3 months. (visits 5, 6, and 7).

Randomization and treatment assignment for the double-blind period is performed using electronic interactive response technology (IRT). The study is stratified based on CM or EM, gender, country, and a special treatment failure group defined as patients who must have had inadequate response to valproic acid. In addition, patients in the special treatment failure group must have had inadequate response to 2 to 3 other classes of migraine preventive medications, as defined herein. The proportion of CM and EM patients in the study should be approximately 50:50 in each subgroup.

The open-label period will not be randomized as all patients will receive the same monthly dose (225 mg fremanezumab).

CM is defined as: Patient fulfills the following criteria for CM in prospectively collected baseline information during the 28-day run-in period:

-   -   Headache occurring on ≥15 days     -   On ≥8 days, fulfilling any of the following:         -   ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria C and D for 1.1 Migraine without             aura         -   ICHD-3 criteria B and C for 1.2 Migraine with aura         -   Probable migraine (a migraine subtype where only 1 migraine             criterion is missing)         -   The patient used a triptan or ergot derivative to treat             established headache.             EM is defined as:             The patient fulfills the following criteria for EM in             prospectively collected baseline information during the             28-day run-in period:     -   Headache occurring ≥6 days but <15 days     -   On ≥4 days, fulfilling any of the following:         -   ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria C and D for 1.1 Migraine without             aura         -   ICHD-3 criteria B and C for 1.2 Migraine with aura         -   Probable migraine (a migraine subtype where only 1 migraine             criterion is missing)         -   The patient used a triptan or ergot derivative to treat an             established headache

Blinded treatment is administered sc once a month (approximately every 28 days) for a total of 3 doses (visits 2, 3, and 4) and open-label treatment is administered for a total of 3 doses (visits 5, 6, and 7). Final study assessments are performed at visit 8 (end-of-treatment [EOT] visit), approximately 4 weeks after administration of last dose of fremanezumab. A follow-up visit is scheduled 6.0 months (>5 half-lives) after the last study drug administration for ADA blood sampling. Patients who discontinue early will have the follow-up visit 6.0 months after the last dose. The total duration of patient participation in the study is planned to be 50 weeks including a run-in period lasting 28 days, a double-blind treatment period lasting 12 weeks, an open-label period lasting 12 weeks, and 1 follow-up visit at week 46. Patients are expected to complete the entire duration of the study, including the open-label period and the follow-up visit.

The end of study is defined as the last visit of the last patient (follow-up visit, visit 9). However, an interim database lock occurs following the end of the double-blind treatment period of the last patient for analysis of that portion of the study data. A second interim lock will occur following the end of the open-label period. The total study duration, including the 6.0-month follow-up-period, is approximately 2 years.

Endpoints

The primary efficacy endpoint is the mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the monthly average number of migraine days during the 12-week period after the 1st dose of fremanezumab.

Secondary endpoints to further demonstrate efficacy include:

-   -   The proportion of patients reaching at least 50% reduction in         the monthly average number of migraine days during the 12-week         period after the 1st dose of fremanezumab.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of headache days of at least moderate         severity during the 12-week period after the 1st dose of         fremanezumab.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of migraine days during the 4-week period         after the 1st dose of fremanezumab.     -   The proportion of patients reaching at least 50% reduction in         the monthly average number of migraine days during the 4-week         period after the 1st dose of fremanezumab.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of days of use of any acute headache         medications during the 12-week period after the 1st dose of         fremanezumab.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         number of headache days of at least moderate severity during the         4-week period after the 1st dose of fremanezumab.         Secondary endpoints to demonstrate safety and tolerability         include:     -   The occurrence of adverse events throughout the study.     -   Analysis of clinical laboratory (serum chemistry, hematology,         coagulation and urinalysis) test results at specified time         points.     -   Analysis of vital signs (systolic and diastolic blood pressure,         oral temperature, and pulse rate) measurements at each visit.         Note: In addition, oxygen saturation and respiratory rate will         be measured in cases of suspected anaphylaxis and severe         hypersensitivity.     -   Analysis of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) findings at         specified time points.     -   The use of concomitant medication for adverse events during the         study.     -   The number (%) of patients who did not complete the study due to         adverse events.     -   Analysis of clinically significant changes in physical         examinations, including body weight.     -   Occurrence of severe hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis reactions.     -   Suicidal ideations and behaviors as measured by the eC-SSRS.

Exploratory Objectives to Demonstrate Efficacy

-   -   To evaluate the efficacy of fremanuzumab in adult migraine         patients with inadequate response to two to four classes of         prior preventative treatments         Exploratory endpoints for the double-blind period are as         follows:     -   The proportion of patients reaching at least 75% reduction in         the monthly average number of migraine days during the 12-week         period after the 1st dose of study drug.     -   The proportion of patients reaching total (100%) response (no         headache) during the 12-week period after the 1st dose of study         drug.     -   The proportion of patients reaching total (100%) response (no         headache) for at least one month during the 12-week period after         the 4th dose of study drug     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of headache hours of at least moderate         severity during the 12-week period after the (1st) dose of the         study drug.     -   The proportion of patients reaching at least 50% reduction in         the number of migraine days during the 4-week period after the         1st dose of study drug for whom this level of effect is         sustained throughout the 12-week period after the 1st dose of         study drug.     -   The proportion of patients reaching at least 75% reduction in         the number of migraine days during the 4-week period after the         1st dose of study drug for whom this level of effect is         sustained throughout the 12-week period after the 1st dose of         study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of days with nausea or vomiting during         the 12-week period after the 1st dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of days with photophobia and phonophobia         during the 12-week period after the 1st dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of days of use of migraine-specific acute         headache medications (triptans and ergot compounds) during the         12-week period after the 1st dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         number of migraine days during the 12-week period after the 1st         dose of study drug for patients who failed topiramate for         migraine in the past.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         number of migraine days during the 12-week period after the 1st         dose of study drug for patients who failed onabotulinumtoxinA         for migraine in the past.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         number of migraine days during the 12-week period after the 1st         dose of study drug for patients who failed valproic acid for         migraine in the past.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         number of migraine days during the 12-week period after the 1st         dose of study drug for the subset of patients who failed 2 to 3         classes of preventive medications and valproic acid for migraine         in the past.     -   The proportion of patients reaching at least 50% reduction in         the monthly average number of migraine days during the 12-week         period after the 1st dose of fremanezumab for the subset of         patients who failed 2 to 3 classes of preventive medications and         valproic acid for migraine in the past     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) in disability score, as         measured by the 6-item Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), at 4 weeks         after administration of the 3rd dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) in disability score, as         measured by the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS)         questionnaire, at 4 weeks after the administration of the 3rd         dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) in quality of life, as         measured by the MigraineSpecific Quality of Life (MSQOL)         questionnaire, at 4 weeks after administration of the 3rd dose         of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) in the health status, as         measured by the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire at         4 weeks after administration of the 3rd dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) in patient depression         status, as measured by the 2 item Patient Health Questionnaire         (PHQ-2) and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), at 4         weeks after administration of the 3rd dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) in patient work         productivity and activity impairment, as measured by the Work         Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, at 4         weeks after administration of the 3rd dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) of patient satisfaction,         as measured by the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)         scale, at 4 weeks after the 3rd dose of study drug.         Exploratory endpoints for the open-label period are:     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of migraine days during the 12-week         period after the 4th dose of fremanezumab.     -   The proportion of patients reaching at least 50% reduction from         baseline (28-day run-in period) in the monthly average number of         migraine days during the 12-week period after the 4th dose of         fremanezumab.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of headache days of at least moderate         severity during the 12-week period after the 4th dose of         fremanezumab.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of days of use of any acute headache         medications during the 12-week period after the 4th dose of         fremanezumab.     -   The proportion of patients reaching at least 75% reduction from         baseline (28-day run-in period) in the monthly average number of         migraine days during the 12-week period after the 4th dose of         study drug.     -   The proportion of patients reaching total (100%) response (no         headache) during the 12-week period after the 4th dose of study         drug.     -   The proportion of patients reaching total (100%) response (no         headache) for at least one month during the 12-week period after         the 4th dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of headache hours of at least moderate         severity during the 12-week period after the 4th dose of the         study drug.     -   The proportion of patients reaching at least 50% reduction from         baseline (28-day run-in period) in the number of migraine days         during the 4-week period after the 4th dose of study drug for         whom this level of effect is sustained throughout the 12-week         period after the 4th dose of study drug.     -   The proportion of patients reaching at least 75% reduction from         baseline (28-day run-in period) in the number of migraine days         during the 4-week period after the 4th dose of study drug for         whom this level of effect is sustained throughout the 12-week         period after the 4th dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of days with nausea or vomiting during         the 12-week period after the 4th dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of days with photophobia and phonophobia         during the 12-week period after the 4th dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         monthly average number of days of use of migraine-specific acute         headache medications (triptans and ergot compounds) during the         12-week period after the 4th dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         number of migraine days during the 12-week period after the 4th         dose of study drug for patients who failed topiramate for         migraine in the past.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         number of migraine days during the 12-week period after the 4th         dose of study drug for patients who failed onabotulinumtoxinA         for migraine in the past.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         number of migraine days during the 12-week period after the 4th         dose of study drug for patients who failed valproic acid for         migraine in the past.     -   The mean change from baseline (28-day run-in period) in the         number of migraine days during the 12-week period after the 4th         dose of study drug for patients who failed 2 to 3 classes of         preventive medications in addition to valproic acid for migraine         in the past.     -   The proportion of patients reaching at least 50% reduction from         baseline (28-day run-in period) in the monthly average number of         migraine days during the 12-week period after the 4th dose of         fremanezumab for patients who failed 2 to 3 classes of         preventive medications in addition to valproic acid for migraine         in the past.     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) in disability score, as         measured by the HIT-6, at 4 weeks after administration of the         6th dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) in disability score, as         measured by the MIDAS questionnaire, at 4 weeks after the         administration of the 6th dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) in quality of life, as         measured by the MSQOL questionnaire, at 4 weeks after         administration of the 6th dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) in the health status, as         measured by the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire at 4 weeks after         administration of the 6th dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) in patient depression         status, as measured by the PHQ-2 and PHQ-9, at 4 weeks after         administration of the 6th dose of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) in patient work         productivity and activity impairment, as measured by the WPAI         questionnaire, at 4 weeks after administration of the 6th dose         of study drug.     -   The mean change from baseline (day 0) of patient satisfaction,         as measured by the PGIC scale, at 4 weeks after the 6th dose of         study drug.         Exploratory endpoints for both the double-blind and open-label         periods:     -   To evaluate the immunogenicity response of fremanezumab and the         impact of ADAs on clinical outcomes in patients exposed to sc         fremanezumab.     -   To explore the relationship between genetic polymorphisms         (including those within the calcitonin gene-related peptide         (CGRP) receptor-ligand complex, in migraine-associated         susceptibility genes, and in as-yet undiscovered loci) versus         migraine onset/severity, adverse events to medication and         fremanezumab efficacy.

Study Population

The study population is composed of male and female patients, aged 18 to 70 years, inclusive, with a history of migraine (as defined by International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd revision [ICHD-3] criteria [IHS 2013]) for at least 12 months prior to screening and diagnosis of episodic or chronic migraine prospectively documented via a review of headache data recorded daily in an electronic daily headache diary device during a 28-day run-in period.

At the time of screening, patients must have documented inadequate response to two to four classes of prior preventive migraine medications within the past 10 years (in medical chart or by treating physician's confirmation).

A subset of these patients (at least 120 patients) must have documented inadequate response to 2 to 3 classes of prior preventive medications and in addition inadequate response to valproic acid. All inadequate responses must be within the past 10 years (in medical chart or by treating physician's confirmation).

Prior migraine preventive medications are as follows (see Martelletti et al., J. Headache Pain, 15(1):47, 2014):

-   -   beta-blockers: propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol, and bisopropol     -   anticonvulsants: topiramate     -   tricyclics: amitriptyline     -   calcium channel blocker: flunarizine     -   angiotensin II receptor antagonist: candesartan     -   onabotulinumtoxinA     -   valproic acid

The use of the medications listed above on a daily basis for other indications is disallowed for the duration of the study. Any of the listed medications are allowed if given as topical or eye drops. Other medications in the same classes but not included in this list are allowed.

Inadequate response to prior preventative migraine medications (including valproic acid) is defined as:

-   -   Patients must have documented inadequate response (in medical         chart or by treating physician's confirmation) to two to four         classes of prior preventive medications from the list above         regardless of which class the medication belongs to.     -   Inadequate response is defined as: no clinically meaningful         improvement per treating physician's judgment, after at least 3         months of therapy at a stable dose considered appropriate for         migraine prevention according to accepted country guidelines, or         when treatment has to be interrupted because of adverse events         that made it intolerable by the patient or the drug is         contraindicated or not suitable for the patient. The 3 month         period does not apply if the drug is intolerable or         contraindicated or not suitable for the patient.

If onabotulinumtoxinA is the previously failed preventive medication, at least 2 sets of injections and 3 months must have passed since the last set of injections prior to the screening visit.

Patient Inclusion Criteria

Patients are included in the study only if they meet all of the following criteria:

-   -   a. The patient is capable of giving signed informed consent.     -   b. Male or female patient aged 18 to 70 years, inclusive.     -   c. The patient has a diagnosis of migraine with onset at 50         years of age.     -   d. The patient is in good health in the opinion of the         investigators as determined by medical history, physical         examination, laboratory tests, and ECG.     -   e. Body weight ≥45 kg and body mass index (BMI) within the range         17.5 to 34.9 kg/m2 (inclusive).     -   f. The patient has a history of migraine (according to ICHD-3         criteria [IHS 2013]) or clinical judgment suggests a migraine         diagnosis (not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis)         for ≥12 months prior to screening.     -   g. The patient fulfills the following criteria for migraine in         prospectively collected baseline information during the 28-day         run-in period:

For Patients with CM:

-   -   Headache occurring on ≥15 days     -   On ≥8 days, fulfilling any of the following:         -   i. ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria C and D for 1.1 Migraine             without aura         -   ii. ICHD-3 criteria B and C for 1.2 Migraine with aura         -   iii. Probable migraine (a migraine subtype where only 1             migraine criterion is missing)         -   iv. The patient used a triptan or ergot derivative to treat             an established headache

For Patients with EM:

-   -   Headache occurring ≥6 days     -   On ≥4 days, fulfilling any of the following:         -   i. ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria C and D for 1.1 Migraine             without aura         -   ii. ICHD-3 criteria B and C for 1.2 Migraine with aura         -   iii. Probable migraine (a migraine subtype where only 1             migraine criterion is missing)         -   iv. The patient used a triptan or ergot derivative to treat             an established headache     -   h. At the time of screening, the patient must have documented         inadequate response to two to four classes of prior preventive         migraine medications, as defined herein, within the past 10         years (in medical chart or by treating physician's         confirmation). Inadequate response to prior preventive migraine         medications (including valproic acid) is defined as: no         clinically meaningful improvement per treating physician's         judgment, after at least 3 months of therapy at a stable dose         considered appropriate for migraine prevention according to         accepted country guidelines, or when treatment has to be         interrupted because of adverse events that made it intolerable         for the patient, or the medication is contraindicated or         unsuitable for the prophylactic treatment of migraine for the         patient. The 3-month period does not apply if the drug is         intolerable or contraindicated. If onabotulinumtoxinA is the         previous preventive medication, at least 2 sets of injections         and 3 months must have passed since the last set of injections         prior to the screening visit.     -   i. The patient agrees not to initiate any migraine medications,         as defined herein, during the run-in period, double-blind         treatment period, and open-label period. At the screening visit,         at least five half-lives of these medications must have passed         since the patient has been on any migraine preventive         medication, as defined herein.     -   j. Other prescription medications not defined as prior migraine         preventive medication as defined herein must have been on stable         doses for at least 2 months at the screening visit with no         expectation to change during the double-blind treatment period         of the study.     -   k. The patient demonstrated compliance with the electronic         headache diary during the run-in period by entry of headache         data on a minimum of 24 days cumulative during the run-in period         (˜85% diary compliance).     -   l. Women may be included only if they have a negative serum         beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) test at screening, are         sterile, or postmenopausal.     -   m. Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) whose male partners         are potentially fertile (e.g., no vasectomy) must use highly         effective birth control methods for the duration of the study         and the follow-up period (i.e., starting at screening) and for         6.0 months after discontinuation of IMP.     -   n. Men must be sterile, or if they are potentially         fertile/reproductively competent (not surgically [eg, vasectomy]         or congenitally sterile) and their female partners are of         childbearing potential, must use, together with their female         partners, acceptable birth control methods for the duration of         the study and for 6.0 months after discontinuation of the IMP.     -   o. The patient must be willing and able to comply with study         restrictions, to remain at the clinic for the required duration         during the study period and to return to the clinic for the         follow-up evaluations.

Patient Exclusion Criteria

Patients are excluded from participating in this study if they meet any of the following criteria:

-   -   a. At the time of screening visit, patient is receiving any         preventive migraine medications, as defined herein, regardless         of the medical indication for more than 5 days and expects to         continue with these medications.     -   b. Patient has received onabotulinumtoxinA for migraine or for         any medical or cosmetic reasons requiring injections in the         head, face, or neck during the 3 months before screening visit.     -   c. The patient uses medications containing opioids (including         codeine) or barbiturates (including butalbital/aspirin/caffeine         [Fiorinal®, Actavis plc], butalbital/paracetamol/caffeine         [Fioricet®, Cardinal Health], or any other combination         containing butalbital) on more than 4 days during the run-in         period for the treatment of migraine or for any other reason.     -   d. The patient has used an intervention/device (e.g., scheduled         nerve blocks and transcranial magnetic stimulation) for migraine         during the 2 months prior to screening.     -   e. The patient uses triptans/ergots as preventive therapies for         migraine.     -   f. Patient uses non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)         as preventive therapy for migraine on nearly daily basis for         other indications. Note: Low dose aspirin (e.g., 81 mg) used for         cardiovascular disease prevention is allowed.     -   g. The patient suffers from unremitting headaches, defined as         having headaches for more than 80% of the time he/she is awake,         and less than 4 days without headache per month. Daily headache         is acceptable if the patient has headaches 80% or less of the         time he/she is awake on most days.     -   h. The patient has a clinically significant hematological,         cardiac, renal, endocrine, pulmonary, gastrointestinal,         genitourinary, neurologic, hepatic, or ocular disease that, in         the opinion of the investigator, could jeopardize or would         compromise the patient's ability to participate in this study.     -   i. Evidence or medical history of clinically significant         psychiatric issues that, in the opinion of the investigator,         could jeopardize or would compromise the patient's ability to         participate in this study including major depression, panic         disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder, any suicide attempt         in the past or suicidal ideation with a specific plan in the         past two years prior to screening or current suicidal ideation         as measured by eC-SSRS.     -   j. History of clinically significant cardiovascular disease or         vascular ischemia (such as myocardial, neurological [e.g.,         cerebral ischemia], peripheral extremity ischemia, or other         ischemic event) or thromboembolic events (arterial or venous         thrombotic or embolic events), such as cerebrovascular accident         (including transient ischemic attacks), deep vein thrombosis, or         pulmonary embolism.     -   k. History of human immunodeficiency virus, tuberculosis, or         chronic hepatitis B or C infection.     -   l. Past or current history of cancer, except for appropriately         treated non-melanoma skin carcinoma in the last 5 years.     -   m. Pregnant or lactating female patients or female patients who         plan to become pregnant during the study.     -   n. Participation in a clinical study of a new chemical entity or         a prescription medicine within 2 months before screening (or 3         months in case of biologics if the half-life of the biologics is         unknown) or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer, or is currently         participating in another study of an IMP (or a medical device).     -   o. Any prior exposure to a monoclonal antibody targeting the         CGRP pathway (such as AMG 334, ALD304, LY2951742, or         fremanezumab).     -   p. Any finding in the baseline 12-lead ECG considered clinically         significant in the judgment of the investigator.     -   q. Any finding that, in the judgment of the investigator, is a         clinically significant abnormality, including serum chemistry,         hematology, coagulation, and urinalysis test values (abnormal         tests may be repeated for confirmation).     -   r. Hepatic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate         aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) >1.5×the upper limit         of the normal (ULN) range after confirmation in a repeat test or         suspected hepatocellular damage that fulfills criteria for Hy's         law at screening.     -   s. Serum creatinine >1.5×the ULN, clinically significant         proteinuria, or evidence of renal disease at screening.     -   t. The patient has a history of alcohol abuse during the 2 years         prior to screening.     -   u. The patient has a history of drug abuse during the past 2         years or drug dependence during the past 5 years.     -   v. The patient cannot participate or successfully complete the         study, in the opinion of their healthcare provider or the         investigator, for any of the following reasons:         -   mentally or legally incapacitated or unable to give consent             for any reason         -   in custody due to an administrative or a legal decision,             under tutelage, or being admitted to a sanitarium or social             institution         -   unable to be contacted in case of emergency         -   has any other condition, which, in the opinion of the             investigator, makes the patient inappropriate for inclusion             in the study     -   w. The patient is a study center or sponsor employee who is         directly involved in the study or the relative of such an         employee.     -   x. The patient has been previously screen failed for the study.

Antibody Sequences

G1 heavy chain variable region amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSNYWISWVRQAPGKGLEWVAEIRSESDA SATHYAEAVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCLAYFDYGLAIQNYWGQG TLVTVSS G1 light chain variable region amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 2) EIVLTQSPATLSLSPGERATLSCKASKRVTTYVSWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYGASNRYLGIP ARFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLEPEDFAVYYCSQSYNYPYTFGQGTKLEIK G1 CDR H1 (extended CDR) (SEQ ID NO: 3) GFTFSNYWIS G1 CDR H2 (extended CDR) (SEQ ID NO: 4) EIRSESDASATHYAEAVKG G1 CDR H3 (SEQ ID NO: 5) YFDYGLAIQNY G1 CDR L1 (SEQ ID NO: 6) KASKRVTTYVS G1 CDR L2 (SEQ ID NO: 7) GASNRYL G1 CDR L3 (SEQ ID NO: 8) SQSYNYPYT G1 heavy chain variable region nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 9) GAAGTTCAGCTGGTTGAATCCGGTGGTGGTCTGGTTCAGCCAGGTGGTTCCCTGC GTCTGTCCTGCGCTGCTTCCGGTTTCACCTTCTCCAACTACTGGATCTCCTGGGTT CGTCAGGCTCCTGGTAAAGGTCTGGAATGGGTTGCTGAAATCCGTTCCGAATCCG ACGCGTCCGCTACCCATTACGCTGAAGCTGTTAAAGGTCGTTTCACCATCTCCCGT GACAACGCTAAGAACTCCCTGTACCTGCAGATGAACTCCCTGCGTGCTGAAGACAC CGCTGTTTACTACTGCCTGGCTTACTTTGACTACGGTCTGGCTATCCAGAACTACT GGGGTCAGGGTACCCTGGTTACCGTTTCCTCC G1 light chain variable region nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 10) GAAATCGTTCTGACCCAGTCCCCGGCTACCCTGTCCCTGTCCCCAGGTGAACGTGCT ACCCTGTCCTGCAAAGCTTCCAAACGGGTTACCACCTACGTTTCCTGGTACCAGCAGA AACCCGGTCAGGCTCCTCGTCTGCTGATCTACGGTGCTTCCAACCGTTACCTCGGTAT CCCAGCTCGTTTCTCCGGTTCCGGTTCCGGTACCGACTTCACCCTGACCATCTCCTCC CTGGAACCCGAAGACTTCGCTGTTTACTACTGCAGTCAGTCCTACAACTACCCCTACA CCTTCGGTCAGGGTACCAAACTGGAAATCAAA G1 heavy chain full antibody amino acid sequence (including modified IgG2 as described herein) (SEQ ID NO: 11) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSNYWISWVRQAPGKGLEWVAEIRSESDA SATHYAEAVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCLAYFDYGLAIQNYWGQG TLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVH TFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPC PAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAK TKPREEQFNSTFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPSSIEKTISKTKGQPREP QVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGS FFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK G1 light chain full antibody amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 12) EIVLTQSPATLSLSPGERATLSCKASKRVTTYVSWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYGASNRYLGIP ARFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLEPEDFAVYYCSQSYNYPYTFGQGTKLEIKRTVAAPSVFIF PPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYS LSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC G1 heavy chain full antibody nucleotide sequence (including modified IgG2 as described herein) (SEQ ID NO: 13) GAAGTTCAGCTGGTTGAATCCGGTGGTGGTCTGGTTCAGCCAGGTGGTTCCCTGC GTCTGTCCTGCGCTGCTTCCGGTTTCACCTTCTCCAACTACTGGATCTCCTGGGTT CGTCAGGCTCCTGGTAAAGGTCTGGAATGGGTTGCTGAAATCCGTTCCGAATCCG ACGCGTCCGCTACCCATTACGCTGAAGCTGTTAAAGGTCGTTTCACCATCTCCCGT GACAACGCTAAGAACTCCCTGTACCTGCAGATGAACTCCCTGCGTGCTGAAGACA CCGCTGTTTACTACTGCCTGGCTTACTTTGACTACGGTCTGGCTATCCAGAACTAC TGGGGTCAGGGTACCCTGGTTACCGTTTCCTCCGCCTCCACCAAGGGCCCATCTG TCTTCCCACTGGCCCCATGCTCCCGCAGCACCTCCGAGAGCACAGCCGCCCTGG GCTGCCTGGTCAAGGACTACTTCCCAGAACCTGTGACCGTGTCCTGGAACTCTGG CGCTCTGACCAGCGGCGTGCACACCTTCCCAGCTGTCCTGCAGTCCTCAGGTCTC TACTCCCTCAGCAGCGTGGTGACCGTGCCATCCAGCAACTTCGGCACCCAGACCT ACACCTGCAACGTAGATCACAAGCCAAGCAACACCAAGGTCGACAAGACCGTGGA GAGAAAGTGTTGTGTGGAGTGTCCACCTTGTCCAGCCCCTCCAGTGGCCGGACCA TCCGTGTTCCTGTTCCCTCCAAAGCCAAAGGACACCCTGATGATCTCCAGAACCCC AGAGGTGACCTGTGTGGTGGTGGACGTGTCCCACGAGGACCCAGAGGTGCAGTT CAACTGGTATGTGGACGGAGTGGAGGTGCACAACGCCAAGACCAAGCCAAGAGA GGAGCAGTTCAACTCCACCTTCAGAGTGGTGAGCGTGCTGACCGTGGTGCACCAG GACTGGCTGAACGGAAAGGAGTATAAGTGTAAGGTGTCCAACAAGGGACTGCCAT CCAGCATCGAGAAGACCATCTCCAAGACCAAGGGACAGCCAAGAGAGCCACAGGT GTATACCCTGCCCCCATCCAGAGAGGAGATGACCAAGAACCAGGTGTCCCTGACC TGTCTGGTGAAGGGATTCTATCCATCCGACATCGCCGTGGAGTGGGAGTCCAACG GACAGCCAGAGAACAACTATAAGACCACCCCTCCAATGCTGGACTCCGACGGATC CTTCTTCCTGTATTCCAAGCTGACCGTGGACAAGTCCAGATGGCAGCAGGGAAAC GTGTTCTCTTGTTCCGTGATGCACGAGGCCCTGCACAACCACTATACCCAGAAGAG CCTGTCCCTGTCTCCAGGAAAGTAA G1 light chain full antibody nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 14) GAAATCGTTCTGACCCAGTCCCCGGCTACCCTGTCCCTGTCCCCAGGTGAACGTG CTACCCTGTCCTGCAAAGCTTCCAAACGGGTTACCACCTACGTTTCCTGGTACCAG CAGAAACCCGGTCAGGCTCCTCGTCTGCTGATCTACGGTGCTTCCAACCGTTACCT CGGTATCCCAGCTCGTTTCTCCGGTTCCGGTTCCGGTACCGACTTCACCCTGACC ATCTCCTCCCTGGAACCCGAAGACTTCGCTGTTTACTACTGCAGTCAGTCCTACAA CTACCCCTACACCTTCGGTCAGGGTACCAAACTGGAAATCAAACGCACTGTGGCT GCACCATCTGTCTTCATCTTCCCTCCATCTGATGAGCAGTTGAAATCCGGAACTGC CTCTGTTGTGTGCCTGCTGAATAACTTCTATCCGCGCGAGGCCAAAGTACAGTGGA AGGTGGATAACGCCCTCCAATCCGGTAACTCCCAGGAGAGTGTCACAGAGCAGGA CAGCAAGGACAGCACCTACAGCCTCAGCAGCACCCTGACCCTGAGCAAAGCAGAC TACGAGAAACACAAAGTCTACGCCTGCGAAGTCACCCATCAGGGCCTGAGTTCTC CAGTCACAAAGAGCTTCAACCGCGGTGAGTGCTAA Amino acid sequence comparison of human and rat CGRP (human α-CGRP (SEQ ID NO: 15); human β-CGRP (SEQ ID NO: 43); rat α-CGRP (SEQ ID NO: 41); and rat β-CGRP (SEQ ID NO: 44)): NH₂-AC

TATCVTHRLAGLLSRSGGVVK

NFVPTNVGSKAF-CONH₂ (human α-CGRP) NH₂-AC

TATCVTHRLAGLLSRSGG

VK

NFVPTNVGSKAF-CONH₂ (human β-CGRP) NH₂-

C

TATCVTHRLAGLLSRSGGVVK

NFVPTNVGS

AF-CONH₂ (rat α-CGRP) NH₂-

C

TATCVTHRLAGLLSRSGGVVK

FVPTNVGSKAF-CONH₂ (rat β-CGRP) Light chain variable region LCVR17 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 58) DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQDIDNYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSEYHSGV PSRFSGSGSGTDFTFTISSLQPEDIATYYCQQGDALPPTFGQGTKLEIK Heavy chain variable region HCVR22 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 59) QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFGNYWMQWVRQAPGQGLEWMGAIYEGT GDTRYIQKFAGRVTMTRDTSTSTVYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARLSDYVSGFSYWGQG TLVTVSS Light chain variable region LCVR18 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 60) DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQDIDNYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSEYHSGV PSRFSGSGSGTDFTFTISSLQPEDIATYYCQQGDALPPTFGQGTKLEIK Heavy chain variable region HCVR23 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 61) QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFGNYWMQWVRQAPGQGLEWMGAIYEGT GKTVYIQKFAGRVTMTRDTSTSTVYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARLSDYVSGFSYWGQG TLVTVSS Light chain variable region LCVR19 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 62) DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASKDISKYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSGYHSGVP SRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQGDALPPTFGGGTKVEIK Heavy chain variable region HCVR24 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 63) QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGSSVKVSCKASGYTFGNYWMQWVRQAPGQGLEWMGAIYEGT GKTVYIQKFADRVTITADKSTSTAYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARLSDYVSGFGYWGQGT TVTVSS Light chain variable region LCVR20 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 64) DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASRPIDKYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSEYHSGVP SRFSGSGSGTDFTFTISSLQPEDIATYYCQQGDALPPTFGQGTKLEIK Heavy chain variable region HCVR25 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 65) QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFGNYWMQWVRQAPGQGLEWMGAIYEGT GKTVYIQKFAGRVTMTRDTSTSTVYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARLSDYVSGFGYWGQG TLVTVSS Light chain variable region LCVR21 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 66) DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQDIDKYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSGYHSGV PSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQGDALPPTFGGGTKVEIK Heavy chain variable region HCVR26 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 67) QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGSSVKVSCKASGYTFGNYWMQWVRQAPGQGLEWMGAIYEGT GKTVYIQKFAGRVTITADKSTSTAYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARLSDYVSGFGYWGQGT TVTVSS Light chain variable region LCVR27 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 68) QVLTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTINCQASQSVYHNTYLAWYQQKPGKVPKQLIYDASTLASG VPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCLGSYDCTNGDCFVFGGGTKVEIKR Heavy chain variable region HCVR28 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 69) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGIDLSGYYMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVGVIGINGAT YYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKTTVYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYFCARGDIWGQGTLVTVSS Light chain variable region LCVR29 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 70) QVLTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTINCQASQSVYDNNYLAWYQQKPGKVPKQLIYSTSTLASG VPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCLGSYDCSSGDCFVFGGGTKVEIKR Heavy chain variable region HCVR30 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 71) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGLDLSSYYMQWVRQAPGKGLEWVGVIGINDN TYYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKTTVYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYFCARGDIWGQGTLVTVSS Light chain variable region LCVR31 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 72) QVLTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTINCQASQSVYDNNYLAWYQQKPGKVPKQLIYSTSTLASG VPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCLGSYDCSSGDCFVFGGGTKVEIKR Heavy chain variable region HCVR32 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 73) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGLDLSSYYMQWVRQAPGKGLEWVGVIGINDN TYYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKTTVYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYFCARGDIWGQGTLVTVSS Light chain variable region LCVR33 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 74) QVLTQTPSPVSAAVGSTVTINCQASQSVYHNTYLAWYQQKPGQPPKQLIYDASTLASG VPSRFSGSGSGTQFTLTISGVQCNDAAAYYCLGSYDCTNGDCFVFGGGTEVVVKR Heavy chain variable region HCVR34 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 75) QSLEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCSVSGIDLSGYYMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIGVIGINGATYY ASWAKGRFTISKTSSTTVDLKMTSLTTEDTATYFCARGDIWGPGTLVTVSS Light chain variable region LCVR35 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 76) QVLTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTINCQASQSVYHNTYLAWYQQKPGKVPKQLIYDASTLASG VPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCLGSYDCTNGDCFVFGGGTKVEIKR Heavy chain variable region HCVR36 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 77) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGIDLSGYYMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVGVIGINGAT YYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKTTVYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYFCARGDIWGQGTLVTVSS Light chain variable region LCVR37 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 78) QSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQKVTISCSGSSSNIGNNYVSWYQQLPGTAPKLLIYDNNKRPSG IPDRFSGSKSGTSTTLGITGLQTGDEADYYCGTWDSRLSAVVFGGGTKLTVL Heavy chain variable region HCVR38 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 79) QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSSFGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISFDGS IKYSVDSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLFLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARDRLNYYDSSGYYHYKY YGMAVWGQGTTVTVSS 

1.-35. (canceled)
 36. A method of treating or preventing migraine in a subject having refractory migraine, the method comprising: selecting a subject who has been treated with two or more different preventative migraine treatments wherein at least one of the preventative migraine treatments is selected from topiramate, carbamazepine, divalproex sodium, sodium valproate, valproic acid, divalproex, flunarizine, candesartan, pizotifen, amitriptyline, venlafaxine, nortriptyline, duloxetine, atenolol, nadolol, metoprolol, propranolol, bisopropol, timolol, onabotulinumtoxin A, lisinopril, and oxeterone; and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a humanized monoclonal anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain variable region set forth in SEQ ID NO: 63 and the amino acid sequence of the light chain variable region set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 62. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the subject has been treated with two to four different preventative migraine treatments.
 38. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one preventative migraine treatment is selected from propranolol, metoprolol, topiramate, divalproex sodium, sodium valproate, divalproex, valproic acid, amitriptyline, flunarizine, candesartan, and onabotulinumtoxin A.
 39. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one preventative migraine treatment is selected from topiramate, carbamazepine, divalproex sodium, sodium valproate, flunarizine, pizotifen, amitriptyline, venlafaxine, nortriptyline, duloxetine, atenolol, nadolol, metoprolol, propranolol, timolol, and onabotulinumtoxinA.
 40. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one preventative migraine treatment is selected from propranolol, metoprolol, topiramate, sodium valproate or divalproex, amitriptyline, flunarizine, candesartan, and onabotulinumtoxinA.
 41. The method of claim 36, wherein each of the two or more preventative migraine treatments are selected from different groups (a)-(g): (a) propranolol or metoprolol, (b) topiramate, (c) sodium valproate or divalproex, (d) amitriptyline, (e) flunarizine, (f) candesartan, and (g) onabotulinumtoxinA.
 42. The method of claim 36, wherein each of the two or more preventative migraine treatments are selected from different groups (a)-(e): (a) topiramate, (b) divalproex sodium or sodium valproate, (c) metoprolol, propranolol, timolol, atenolol, or nadolol, (d) amitriptyline or nortriptyline, and (e) venlafaxine or duloxetine.
 43. The method of claim 36, wherein the subject has been treated with the two or more different preventative migraine treatments within the 10 years prior to administering the monoclonal antibody.
 44. The method of claim 36, wherein the subject has been diagnosed with episodic migraine prior to administering the monoclonal antibody.
 45. The method of claim 36, wherein the subject has been diagnosed with chronic migraine prior to administering the monoclonal antibody.
 46. The method of claim 36, wherein the subject experiences migraines with aura.
 47. The method of claim 36, wherein the subject experiences migraines without aura.
 48. The method of claim 36, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered at a dose of about 100 mg to about 500 mg.
 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered at a dose of about 250 mg.
 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the dose of about 250 mg is administered as two separate injections of about 125 mg each.
 51. The method of claim 48, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered at a dose of about 125 mg.
 52. The method of claim 48, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered at a dose of about 250 mg followed by subsequent doses of about 125 mg at one month intervals.
 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the dose of about 250 mg is administered as two separate injections of about 125 mg each.
 54. The method of claim 48, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered once per month.
 55. The method of claim 36, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered as a liquid formulation comprising the monoclonal antibody at a concentration ranging from about 10 mg/mL to about 250 mg/mL.
 56. The method of claim 36, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered as a liquid formulation comprising the monoclonal antibody at a concentration of about 120 mg/mL.
 57. The method of claim 56, wherein the liquid formulation is administered at a volume of about 0.5 mL to about 2.5 mL.
 58. The method of claim 56, wherein the liquid formulation is administered at a volume of about 1 mL.
 59. The method of claim 56, wherein the liquid formulation is administered at a volume of about 2 mL.
 60. The method of claim 36, wherein the administering comprises administering the antibody to the subject from a pre-filled syringe, pre-filled syringe with a needle safety device, injection pen, or auto-injector comprising a dose of the monoclonal antibody.
 61. The method of claim 36, wherein monthly headache days experienced by the subject after said administering is reduced by three or more days from a pre-administration level in the subject.
 62. The method of claim 36, comprising administering to the subject a second agent simultaneously or sequentially with the monoclonal antibody, wherein the second agent is an acute headache medication.
 63. The method of claim 62, wherein monthly use of the second agent by the subject is decreased by at least 15% after administering the monoclonal antibody.
 64. The method of claim 36, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered subcutaneously.
 65. The method of claim 36, wherein the monoclonal antibody comprises the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain set forth in SEQ ID NO: 99, and the amino acid sequence of the light chain set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 98. 